Harry Nilsson
Like Father, Like Son (Papa’s Song)
[Hook]
Papa was a rolling stone
But I want to be the cover of a Rolling Stone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone

[Verse 1]
August 6th, 1981 I took my first breath
They said I smiled and cried ‘til it was none left
I guess I knew what I was in for before hand
Miniature grown man HAH
Third of three sons big bird and squirt guns
Aunt Tammy dressed up like a clown when I turned one
Scared the shit out of me but thanks for trying
Sitting in my high chair throw a kick and crying
I remember everything every single detail
Clinging onto daddies leg like, “Don’t leave, I’ll be good
I promise, I’ll do anything Dad, honest.”
But he had to go to work and bust his ass for them dollars
Now it all makes sense back then I wasn't having it
Obsessed with He-man so young and so adamant
More concerned with Castle Grayskull than baseball
Then I learned that if I worked a little I could have it all
All my friends got allowances I had a paper route
And when no one was looking I threw the papers out
Got caught made Dad furious
And if you gonna do something do it right
That’s what earnest is
[Hook]
Papa was a rolling stone
But I want to be the cover of a Rolling Stone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone

[Verse 2]
Papa was a rolling stone
Working hard while I’m home alone on some macaulay culkin shit
So bit little man had to plan follow through with it
But mom’s was so inconsiderate
Illiterate? Nope I read the dictionary daily
Gift the gab of rap and set sail and
Step-moms brought the pooping to the stick, nothing new to me
Don’t act like you my momma ‘cause my dad bought you some jewelry
Oh that sounds cool to read
I sat back and watched pops play the ladies like chess checkmate
6 siblings 3 different moms can you imagine
Simply seeing your paycheck broken down to fractions
Papa was a pimp married 4 times
Indecisive tried to strike a gold mine
Sifting through the sand something like a 49
And up to the point where my chest become a cold mine
But when they come and go I’ll be here to the bitter end pop just letting you know
I never understood temptation I guess we both got a little David Ruffin in us
Everybody sing it with us now
[Hook]
Papa was a rolling stone
But I want to be the cover of a Rolling Stone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone
Papa was a rolling stone
But I want to be the cover of a Rolling Stone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone
Only I know that I can’t do it alone