I love my boys more than I love my girl Try not to show it, she knows like I knew I have my father's legs, long kissed with summer Old fear of Father keeps me in Mother's mirror Sing to my boys, back to your own bed, girl Cold fills the bottle, he'll get the swaddling and my milk I have my mother's gaze, pastures and towers Soft drawing him near to her down cast severe
Oh, Valerie, Valerie Know the hand that feeds you The hand that keeps you The hand that owns the keys Keeps you pretty Don't look to me to hold you I shape and mould you So you can get the ring While you're still pretty
Rock-a-bye boys, run along daddy's girl You're blushing youthful dewy bloom cut from my tree You'll learn your mother's game Seal your reflection for his affection Now against me, you'll play So on it goes, never to trust a girl All sistren rivals to be expected in his world
Valerie Know the hand that feeds you The hand that keeps you Can put you on the street At least you're pretty Don't look to me for sweetness This borrowed dress holds nothing sweet