The Policeman's Daughter The Question She Asked - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
THE POLICEMAN'S DAUGHTER(THE QUESTION SHE ASKED) Copyright, 1897. by Cha*. F. Weeden. Words and music by Chas. F. Weeden. 
As shades of night were falling round a bright and cheerful home, An officer was starling out upon bit long night's roam: His little one was watching him with face aglow with pride, And noticing his weapon And the hickory at his side, Did ask this question, with her hand upon that piece of wood; 
Refrain. Why is a little child so small, to small, but yet so good, Why can't a little girl know all about these things, I wonder if she ever could. 
To his sweet child be did reply, while stroking soft her hair, 'Tis to protect my life, my dear, that these things I do wear; in this Dig town there are bad men engaged in deadly strife, Who, If I had not these at hand, would quickly take my life; Again she asked a question, as in innocence she stood: - Refrain. 
I am an officer, my child, the laws I do uphold, I keep had men from breaking in to take another's gold; I must guard you and others, too, And keep these men at night, From taking from another's store that which they have no right. Once more this little maiden asked with tear-drops in her eye:-Refrain 
Do not these men of whom you speak, engaged in deadly strife. Not know that they will all be hanged for taking others' life; For mama from the good book rends that message from on high, Which says that he who others kills himself must surely die: I wonder if these bad men know that God is always nigh.-Refrain. 
Do wicked men whom you do meet in streets the long nights thro' Have little girls like me, and have they little babies, too. Who kiss them when they leave their homes to walk the city o'er, And watch at morn for their return for footsteps at the door: I wonder if they ever think they may not see them more.-Refrain. 
A tear was in that father's eye, as gently he caressed, And softly stroked her golden hair, then bade her go to rest: "I'll say that prayer," his darling said, "I learned at mother's knee, That God may save my papa's life, which Is so dear to me; So kiss me good-night, papa, dear, I go to bed, you see." -Refrain.