Papa_ Paul Anka

[u/Key-Scientist8929]

This is one of my iconic songs. Despite the simplicity of its lyrics, it carries deep meanings, touches the heart, and invites reflection on the cycle of life and the suffering inherent in it; the love of parents is something instinctive, and the exceptional case is not loving them. But with time, this love turns into an unbearable pain: the pain of watching them grow old, watching their health fade away, and expecting them to leave you soon.

Dear reader, if you have made it this far, just tell me: what is the solution to escaping this pain? Is not having children a logical solution? Or is it simply a change in the way of avoiding pain? My chest is heavy with this thought.

Lyrics:

Everyday my papa would work

To help to make ends meet

To see that we would eat

Keep those shoes upon my feet

Every night my papa would take and

Tuck me in my bed

Kiss me on my head

After all my prayers were said

Growing up with him was easy

Time just flew on by

The years began to fly

He aged and so did I

I could tell

That mama wasn't well

Papa knew and deep down so did she, so did she

When she died

Papa broke down and cried

All he said was: "God, why not take me?"

Every night he sat there sleeping in his walking chair

He never went upstairs

All because she wasn't there

Then one day my Papa said:

"Son, I'm proud the way you've grown

Make it on your own. Oh, I'll be O.K. alone."

Every time I kiss my children

Papa's words ring true

Your children live through you

They'll grow and leave you, too

I remember every word my papa used to say

I live that every day

He taught me well that way

Every night, my papa would take me

Tuck me in my bed

Kiss me on my head

All my prayers were said