Here's one about my mum. I sing it to myself sometimes. It's overly long and a trifle mawkish, but it has reduced some people to tears.
Karolina, with a K
I thought of you again today
The same old question came to mind
How could they treat you so unkind?
They may not have intended to
But in effect they murdered you
Stitched you up - not very well
So the tragedy befell
And I can still recall the day
With a smile you slipped away
Oh! Karolina, with a K
Karolina, with a K
You were born a waif and stray
Rejected by your family
Shipped away across the sea
While you were still a babe in arms
Was that to keep you safe from harm?
No-one now can really know
What happened all those years ago
When you were sent so far away
Or, if they do, no-one will say
Oh! Karolina, with a K
Karolina, with a K
That was your name the papers say
It’s not the one we knew you by
As the months and years flew by
While you raised a family
With your creed of 'Let It Be'
You took good care of each of us
And taught us not to make a fuss
But live our life from day to day
As you went on your own sweet way
Oh! Karolina, with a K
Karolina, with a K
Those games of cribbage we would play
You were always streets ahead
But when all is done and said
There’s nothing left to say or do
But deal another hand or two
It’s always sweeter to have won
But when all is said and done
There’s nothing left to do or say
We all run out of cards to play
Oh! Karolina, with a K
Karolina, with a K
You found a better place to stay
My father took you for his wife
Together you carved out a life
Raised a family of five
Thankfully all still alive*
And grateful for the life we knew
The life that we all owe to you
You made us what we are today
With so much love along the way
And you live on in memory dear
As it all becomes more clear
The love you left along the way
Will last forever and a day
Oh! Karolina, it’s OK.
*That was then - now we are down to three.
