by Bob Dylan



For his age, he's wise

He's got his mother's eyes

There's gladness in his heart

He's young and he's wild

My only prayer is, if I can't be there,

Lord, protect my child



As his youth now unfolds

He is centuries old

Just to see him at play makes me smile

No matter what happens to me

No matter what my destiny

Lord, protect my child



While the world is asleep

You can look at it and weep

Few things you find are worthwhile

And though I don't ask for much

No material things to touch

Lord, protect my child



He's young and on fire

Full of hope and desire

In a world that's been raped, raped and defiled

If I fall along the way

And can't see another day

Lord, protect my child



There'll be a time I hear tell

When all will be well

When God and man will be reconciled

But until men lose their chains

And righteousness reigns

Lord, protect my child