I Won't Mind - Audra McDonald

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