give us children roots and wings never fear the change it brings there is no reason to be sad be thankful for the time you ve had when i was a younger guy one autumn night i told a lie my dad just shook his head and sighed said one day you ll know what it s like to give your children roots and wings oh oh and not to fear the change it brings oh oh to tell the truth and be a man to always do the best you can mother she done set me free from all the locks that once held me she whispered in my infant ears that i was wise beyond my years so even on my darkest nights i ve felt the ground and i ve seen the heights and one day may you do the same oh child of mine that bears my name i give to you my roots and wings oh oh with these you can do anything oh oh and you will never be alone carry or be carried home oh oh you ll be carried home you will always be here with me the way you feel your roots and wings oh and never fear the change it brings oh so give those children roots and wings oh oh and never fear the change it brings oh oh there is no reason to be sad be thankful for the time you had and give those children roots and wings oh oh and i give you mine roots and wings 