There once was a boy tall and fair.

“Young man, sit up straight in your chair.

While you’re here in school you follow the rule.

Speak up, or you’re going nowhere.”

Please leave him alone. Don’t leave him alone.

Leave him a stick and a stone.

“Young man, bow your head, close your eyes.

Give thanks for his great sacrifice.”

He kneels in the church, it makes his knees hurt.

He wonders how long till he dies.

Please leave him alone. Don’t leave him alone.

Leave him in fear on his own.

“Young man, don’t pretend you’re asleep.

I know all the secrets you keep.

I’ll wash this tonight. I’ll turn out your light.

Say ‘Oh, good shepherd, tend your sheep.’ ”

Please leave him alone. Don’t leave him at home.

Leave him to reap what you’ve sown.

“Young man, look at me when I talk.

The holy ones will not be mocked.”

Up grandfather’s stairs no one hears his prayers.

He waits for the tock of the clock.

Please leave him alone. Don’t leave him alone.

Leave him hollowed when he’s grown.