THE OLD BUTTON BOX
As sung by Foster & Allen on "Memories" (2010)*

Where pit-heads and bings(?) were the mountains of home,
When the dark nineteen-twenties brought cares of their own,
The sons of the miners knew when they were grown,
They'd follow the path to the mines.

But one lad just listened as his father would play
On an old button box at the close of the day,
And the sound of the pit-wheel would fade far away
As the music took over his mind.

CHORUS: So dance with me, darlin', to the old button box.
With you in my arms I can turn back the clock.
And, Will, if you're listening, the Jacqueline Waltz**
Is playing in our dreams tonight.

The tunes from his fingers would fly like a bird.
His name on ev'ryone's lips could be heard.
Of the gift he was born with, he spoke not a word,
But the music said more than the man.

CHORUS

But for all of the pleasure and joy that he gave,
His fame brought no fortune from cradle to grave.
He battled through dark days determined and brave,
Till at last he was freed from the pain.

And now when I'm lonely, I know I can hear
A gentle accordion tune in my ear;
And I feel all the cares of the day disappear.
Just listen; he's playing again.

[Accordion solo]

CHORUS
You're playing in our dreams tonight.


[* THE OLD BUTTON BOX was also recorded by Foster & Allen on "Sing Along with Foster & Allen" (1999), by The Alexander Brothers on "Now" (1990), and by Dick Black and His Scottish Dance Band on "On with the Dance" (1993), where it was called TRIBUTE TO WILL STAR: [sic] THE OLD BUTTON BOX.

[** The Jacqueline Waltz was written by Will Starr.]