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Child of Hearts

from Travelers Code (1999) by Darryl Purpose

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about

written by Darryl Purpose and Elizabeth Fairchild
This is the song written for my daughter, Kari, back when our relationship wasn't strong. Look for the song 'King of Hearts' - her re-write - on my 2018 album, titled "don't know yet what it's titled". Elizabeth presented me with a short poem, 'Child of Hearts' after hearing me tell stories of the daughter I couldn't seem to connect with. in 1999 when this CD came out, Kari was 7 years old.

lyrics

The past came knocking at my door
With the winnings of a card game long ago
There gift-wrapped in a pink dress and bow
Stood the 4 year old child I thought I'd never know

She looked at me this red head child of mine
And she stared then turned her gaze away
I reached out, touched her on the arm
Say, why do you look from me that way

She said you're not the papa of my prayers
You're not the king of hearts across the sea
You are big and scary and almost never home
You're just not the father I thought you would be

A little girl was never in my plans
You see I make my way with a serenade
I can show my heart round the queen of spades
But a Child of Hearts makes me afraid
I don't mean to let you down
It's just I'm not the kind to have and hold
Some day you'll need me and I'll be around
But right now I'm gonna sing you this song of the road

She said you're not the papa of my prayers
You're not the king of hearts across the sea
You are big and scary and almost never home
You're just not the father I thought you would be

BRIDGE:
Now a friend with some advice to give
She said just do better than your dad did
That's a game that even I can win
You see I never even met the man

Now is life what happens in between
All these things we plan so carefully
Now a Child of Hearts is in front of me
So please little girl don't give up on me

She said your not the papa of my prayers
You're not the King of Hearts across the sea
You are big and scary and almost never home
But please mr stranger don't give up on me

credits

from Travelers Code (1999), released June 1, 1999
Ellis Paul backup vocals! David Miner on electric guitar

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all rights reserved

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about

Darryl Purpose Portland, Oregon

Darryl went to Las Vegas at 19 and became a professional blackjack player, which he still calls the 'only real job I've ever had'. He is a member of the Blackjack Hall of Fame.
Since 1996, he has toured extensively and released 8 albums of original music.
Darryl's last two albums spent weeks at #1 on the RMR radio charts. Next Time Around and Still The Birds
... more

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