The fear of a daughter runs high   In the mind of a father to be   For something is growing inside   But we don't talk about it, do we?      In the long empty passionless night   Many times to herself she has prayed   That the baby will love her much more   Than the big boy who stole her away      And sometimes it takes   A grown man a long time to learn   Just what it would take   A child a night to learn      And sometimes it takes   A grown man a long time to learn   Just what it would take   A child a night to learn      It pains her to learn   That some things will never be right   If the baby is just   Someone else to take sides in a fight      Harsh words between bride and groom   The distance is greater each day   He smokes alone in the next room   And she knits her life away      And sometimes it takes   A grown man a long time to learn   Just what it would take   A child a night to learn      And sometimes it takes   A grown man a long time to learn   Just what it would take   A child a night to learn      A long time ago   She saw visions on the stairs   And when she felt dizzy   Her mother was always there      The home help is no help at all   I have not committed a crime   Angels gaze down from the wall   Is there a God? Is there a next time?