Audra McDonald
I Won’t Mind
I won't mind sitting by your cradle
Singing to you softly far into the night
I won't mind playing peekaboo for hours
To see that look of wonder, wonder and delight
Soon they'll be asking "Where is baby's nose?
Where is baby's shoe? Where is baby's hat?"
"Clever little boy," they'll say
Lizzie taught him that
I won't mind reading you a story
Quacking like a duck, chirping like a bird
I won't mind when you ask me to repeat it
'Til you can say it with me, knowing every word
You needn't worry if there's chocolate on your hands
Jelly on your face, porridge on my skirt
Run to me, and I'll be there to hold you when you hurt
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie can't say no"
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie's spoiling you"
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie's wrapped around your finger"
I'll say, "Yes, it's true"
I won't mind knowing that your mother
Showers you with kisses, bakes your favorite bread
I won't mind when I see your father lift you
And swing you to his shoulders high above my head
They may be busy, I can take you skating
I can take you sledding, flying down the hill
If they won't build a snowman, Auntie Lizzie will
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie holds too tight"
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie can't let go"
They'll say, "Auntie Lizzie's really not your aunt, anyway"
You'll say, "No, that isn't so"
In my heart, I will keep a secret
Foolish little secret, hidden from the rest
In my dream, you're my own, my very own
And I blanket you with love as I hold you to my breast
Lizzie, he's not yours
Lizzie, in his life, your part is very small
But, if one day, a toy should break
Or maybe playing patty-cake
You call me Mama by mistake
I won't mind at all