November 24, 1986

Unfortunate children, barren and hungry
Can you assist them in any old way
They are just victims of unvented anger
Those that are healthy could save them today

See little Tommy run around without shoes
Dirty and starving a life of sad news
See little Annie, with dirt on her hands
Reaching to for someone who understands

Why can't we do it for the children?
We have so much we can give
Freedom and greatness they'll conquer
If we give them their reason to live

See the cold, empty playground?
Can you fill it someway?
Once full of laughs and small children
With our love can fill it today

See tiny Bobby eat from the trash
Elbows with scars and knees with a rash
See tiny Sally with hurt on her mind
Life full of torment, she's happiness blind

Why can't we do it for the children?
We have so much we can give
A world of joy they'll encounter
If we give them their reason to live

See the grade school with boards on the sides
I know we could fill it someway
Once a place to learn how to live
Now just a child's place dying away

See young Ronny with a lump on his head
Hit and abused, confined to his bed
See young Bonnie with nothing to do
Can't love the trees or the flowers in bloom

Why can't we do it for the children?
We have so much we can give
A lifetime of love they can count on
If we give them a new chance to live

Now see the treehouse with nobody in
I know we could fill it someway
Once a palace for children at play
Now just some boards there, rotting away

See Jeffrey and Jesse, Sandy and Sam
And parents and society who don't give a damn
See the world ripen and pick up the task
Watch the world's children smile at long last

Why can't we do it for the children?
We have so much we can give
The world is so beautiful if you belong
Love and enjoy and help them to live

For the children
For the children
We can do it for the children
Give them love and life and sight
Give them a reason to smile
And kiss them each night