My father knows the proper way br The nation should be run; br He tells us children every day br Just what should now be done. br He knows the way to fix the trusts, br He has a simple plan; br But if the furnace needs repairs, br We have to hire a man. br My father, in a day or two br Could land big thieves in jail; br There's nothing that he cannot do, br He knows no word like 'fail.' br 'Our confidence' he would restore, br Of that there is no doubt; br But if there is a chair to mend, br We have to send it out. br br All public questions that arise, br He settles on the spot; br He waits not till the tumult dies, br But grabs it while it's hot. br In matters of finance he can br Tell Congress what to do; br But, O, he finds it hard to meet br His bills as they fall due. br br It almost makes him sick to read br The things law-makers say; br Why, father's just the man they need, br He never goes astray. br All wars he'd very quickly end, br As fast as I can write it; br But when a neighbor starts a fuss, br 'Tis mother has to fight it. br br In conversation father can br Do many wondrous things; br He's built upon a wiser plan br Than presidents or kings. br He knows the ins and outs of each br And every deep transaction; br We look to him for theories, br But look to ma for action.