Generic

If fathers knew but how to love; 
To show a child care, and not just wealth, 
And could understand the eternal worth 
Of presence far beyond presents; 
The world would not seem so lonely. 
If fathers knew but how to love. 
 
If daughters knew but how to speak; 
To tell their fathers how they feel, 
And could express their desperate need 
Of presence far beyond presents; 
The world would not seem so lonely. 
If daughters knew but how to speak. 
 
If fathers knew but how to ask; 
To show good interest in their children, 
And would simply be there with them 
In their company and for conversation; 
They would know each other and not be strangers. 
If fathers knew but how to ask. 
 
If daughters knew but just to speak; 
That fathers had interest in their children 
They would let them be there with them, 
In their company and for conversation; 
They would know each other and not be strangers. 
If daughters knew but how to speak.