Daddy's little Soldier

Lyrics

[Verse 1 – Male Lead, deep warm country baritone] A little boy lay in his hospital bed, His daddy sat close by his side, "Will I be home for Christmas, Dad?" He asked with his eyes open wide. His daddy smiled and held his hand, And brushed the hair back from his face, "I'll make you something special, son, For when you're home in your own place." [Verse 2 – Female Lead, gentle emotional country soprano] Each night his daddy worked till late, With a little block of pine, He carved a soldier standing tall, And took his time with every line. He painted on a bright red coat, And boots as black as night, Then carved a tiny wooden heart, To give his soldier fight. [Chorus – Male and Female Duet, close country harmonies] You're Daddy's little soldier, The bravest boy I've known, You've fought so many battles, That no child should fight alone. And when your strength is fading, You can hold this wooden toy, 'Cause Daddy's little soldier, Will be my pride and joy. [Verse 3 – Male Lead, restrained and emotional] The days grew short, the nights grew cold, And Christmas Eve drew near, The doctors spoke in quiet tones, Of things he didn't want to hear. He wrapped the soldier carefully, With a ribbon coloured red, And hurried through the falling snow, To his little boy's hospital bed. [Verse 4 – Female Lead, tender and sorrowful] The little boy could barely speak, But smiled when Dad appeared, He saw the soldier in his hands, And whispered, "Is that mine?" as he got near, His daddy placed it in his hand, And watched him hold it tight, "He looks so brave, just like you, Dad, Will you stay with me tonight?" [Chorus – Male and Female Duet, emotional harmonies] You're Daddy's little soldier, The bravest boy I've known, You've fought so many battles, That no child should fight alone. And when your strength is fading, You can hold this wooden toy, 'Cause Daddy's little soldier, Will be my pride and joy. [Bridge – Male Lead, almost spoken, trembling voice] "Daddy, do soldiers ever cry?" The little boy softly said, "Of course they do, my precious son," As he kissed his weary head. "Then don't you cry for me, Daddy, If I have to go away, Just keep my little soldier safe, And think of me each Christmas Day." [Final Verse – Female Lead, soft and fragile, almost whispered] The Christmas bells rang out at dawn, The snow lay on the ground, The hospital halls were peaceful, There was barely any sound. And by a window, sat a man, As daylight filled the sky, With a little wooden soldier, And tears he couldn't hide. [Outro – Male Lead alone, deeply emotional, almost whispered] He turned the soldier in his hands, And read the words he'd said, "To Daddy's little soldier, The bravest ever made." He held it gently to his chest, As Christmas bells rang through, And whispered, "Merry Christmas, my bravest boy... You'll always be my pride and joy."