The Poppi Chronicles

Though most of my memories of my Dad are limited, I do remember him singing to me – each night for that matter before I went to bed.  I remember how calm I felt when I heard his voice.  Your Great Grandpa Dan loved Al Jolson so, as you would expect, most of the songs he sang to me were Jolson’s.  I still remember my favorite.  It was a song called “Sonny Boy” that was written by a couple of composers and Jolson himself.  As I grew older, I could swear that the song was written about me.  Here are the lyrics, as they were originally written:

Climb up on my knee Sonny Boy
Though you’re only three Sonny Boy
You’ve no way of knowing
There’s no way of showing
What you mean to me Sonny Boy.

When there are grey skies,
I don’t mind the grey skies.
You make them blue Sonny Boy.
Friends may forsake me.
Let them all forsake me.
I still have you Sonny Boy.

You’re sent from heaven
And I know your worth.
You made a heaven
For me here on earth.

When I’m old and grey dear
Promise you won’t stray dear
For I love you so Sonny Boy.

I thought about the song when I was thinking about you turning three.  Each year my Dad would change the year in the song – as I grew older.