Papa, he left home when I was ten
We've only seen him once since then
Mama said that she and Papa tried
But all the love they'd known for all those years had slowly died

But I don't blame my papa for doing what he did
Papa was unhappy so he left his wife and kids
It's a mighty big step for a man to walk away
But he tried to save his children
And he knew he couldn't stay
In a house where love is just another word

On Christmas Day he came and brought us toys
And he got down and 'rassled with the boys
Then Papa asked me if I understood
And if I didn't understand, he knew one day I would

So I don't blame my papa for doing what he did
Papa was unhappy so he left his wife and kids
It's a mighty big step for a man to walk away
But he tried to save his children
And he knew he couldn't stay
In a house where love is just another word

Well now I understand what Papa said
'Bout keeping love alive when love is dead
Papa left his children and his wife
Knowing that without him they would know a better life

So I don't blame my papa for doing what he did
Papa was unhappy so he left his wife and kids
It's a mighty big step for a man to walk away
But he tried to save his children
And he knew he couldn't stay
In a house where love is just another word


©1974 Window Musiic Publishing Co, Inc. BMI