Of course you may
Go out and play
But darling, please play gently
Don't stay out late
Be home for tea
Or you know I'm bound to worry
Sticks and stones
For swords and guns
The harmless toys of childhood
You play at fighting
You learn to run
Always playing war games
Of course you must
Go and join the boys
Fighting over the water
But write to me
Tenderly
For you know I'm bound to worry
Sticks and stones
For swords and guns
The harmless toys of childhood
You play at fighting
You learn to run
Always playing war games
A letter came
From the powers that be
It's words, they tore right through me
My darling boy
My only son
I was right to worry
Sticks and stones
For swords and guns
The harmless toys of childhood
You play at fighting
You learn to run
Always playing war games
