I may never be as clever as my neighbor down the street,

I may never be as wealthy as some other men that I’ll meet,

I may never have the fame that other men have had,

But I’ve got to be successful as this little boy’s Dad!

 

There are certain dreams I cherish, I’d like to see come true,

There are things I’d like to accomplish before my working days are through,

But the task my heart is set on, is no mere passing fad,

You see, I’ve got to be successful as this little boy’s Dad!

 

It’s the one job that I dream of. It’s the task I think of most.

For if I fail this little one, I have nothing else to boast.

For all the wealth I’d gather, my fortune would be sad

If I fail to be successful as this little boy’s Dad!

 

I may never come to glory, I may never gather gold,

Men may count me as a failure when my business life is told.

But if he that follows me shall be godly, then I’ll be glad.

For I’ll know I’ve been successful as this little boy’s Dad!

 

I don’t know who the author of this poem is. I’ve been sharing it for over 25 years.