Cherish what is dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.
Cherish what's dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.

When i was a baby mama rocked me 
In her arms whenever i cried.
She picked me up when life knocked me
She was always there by my side.
She said 'one, one day there'll be a man in your life
To take the place of a mother.
Now he, he'll give you joy, a happy life
But swear by this advice:

Cherish what is dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.
Cherish what's dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.

I strayed away from mama's advice
And lost the only man in my life
I never gave enough of myself
So he found love with somebody else
Now my lover is gone slow is the song
Drove him to the arms of another's love.
I lost a love was warm and tender
'Cause i failed to remember:

Cherish what is dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.
Cherish what's dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.

(musical interlude)

Cherish what is dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.
Cherish what's dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.

Cherish what is dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.
Cherish what's dear to you 
While it's near to you, 
Don't wait 'til it's gone.

