When an acquaintance of mine, Gay Tregaskis, sent me a poem she’d written and told me the story behind it, I was honored to be able to put her beautiful and touching words to music. The story is best told in her own words: “When I was expecting my first baby, I wanted an antique rocking chair. I found one listed in the newspaper that said, ‘old, but loved.’ I remember going to look at it with my husband in November. It was old and worn… the seat springs were broken, the fabric was faded and torn. I loved it! We bought it for a forgotten amount and my sweet mother-in-law had it repaired and re-upholstered for my Christmas gift. Our little son was born on January 31st. I spent hours and hours just rocking God’s little miracle. On Mother’s Day that year, I woke up and just began writing. There were only one or two lines I shifted. It felt like all the babes and parents who ever sat in the old chair wanted me and mommies-to-be to understand the precious moments spent rocking and bonding. It still brings tears to my eyes. These words are a gift given to me for my children and all who they touch. Our moments to share pass on fleet feet… especially with our children. Please – if any of my poems can be given forward in song, this is the one I want parents to share and to be impressed to never forget how quickly time passes – to cherish the ‘now.’ If singing our song will give pause for parents to bond, then those souls passed on who visited and inspired this verse will have peace.” 6 pages. Early intermediate level. Demo vocals by Kristin Short.

This is a PDF file available for immediate download at the end of the checkout process. You should also receive a secure link by email within a few minutes to download later if you wish. If you don’t see the email, check your spam or junk folder. Download includes an accompaniment track for rehearsal or performance.

Lyrics:

I often wonder late at night and early in the morn,
How many babes this chair has rocked soon after they were born.
How many soft and silky brows lovingly were kissed?
How many hours of needed sleep willingly were missed
Here in this rocking chair.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.

I think of little toddlers, just learning how to walk,
Climbing up on waiting lap just to sit and “talk.”
This chair has been the place to go for stories to be read,
A place to cuddle and relax, a place to rest your head,
Here in this rocking chair.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.

I think about the years gone by, and games of mouth, ears, nose, and eye.
How quickly each day came and went; I pray the time had been well spent.

And now it’s our turn, little one, to share these special times,
For me to sing you lullabies and tell you nursery rhymes.
Of one thing I am sure about this dear old rocking chair:
Years have come and years have gone, but not the love and care.
Years have come and years have gone, but not the love and care.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.
Ooh, ooh, ooh, I love you.
Ooh, I love you.