Grandfather came to Canada
With a trade of a different time
A learned man of God
He just wasn't worth a dime
So, mended clothes for pennies
While his children went to school
Sang them asleep at night
Songs from the Old World and New
Ohh, he could sing
Had nothing to leave behind
But his voice, gave him wings
For a little while, he could fly
There was talk on the radio
About a contest with a prize
Cast to the best singer
Thought he'd give it a try
His son could play the piano
And don't you know, they won
Paid off some debts
And the money was all gone
Ohh, he could sing
Had nothing to leave behind
But his voice, gave him wings
For a little while, he could fly
Never saw his children grown
He was too young when he died
His son became a scholar
Played piano on the side
When I was young my father played
And I would sing along
Songs from the world he knew
And I remember most every one
My voice was passed down to me
Through the family line
The gifts that we are given
And the gifts we leave behind