Abie Rotenberg
Capo 3 G D We grew up together, Em in New York City C G Oh, how the time has flown by G D We were inseparable, Em closer than brothers C G My best friend Sammy and I. G D We’d play by the oak tree, Em in back of my house C G Tossing a ball to and fro G D Each one of us dreaming, Em pretending to be C G The great Joe DiMaggio. Em D One day we each bought C a package of Topp’s C G And opened them under the tree Em C D Look Sam, I’ve got Joe DiMaggio’s card C G And he was so jealous of me. Em D C I lovingly hid it, deep inside my drawer C G Where it would be safe as can be Em D And I vowed I would keep it C D C forever and e-ver G D G It was so precious to me… G D G It was so precious to me. G D When we grew older, Em and left for Yeshiva C G A change could be seen from the start G D Sam loved to study Em while I loved to daydream C G Slowly we drifted apart. G D I watched him grow, Em in his learning and faith C D With a mixture of envy and pride G D I realized with sadness, Em no more could it be C G My best friend Sammy and I. Em D Many years passed, C as I watched my own children C D Playing outside in the yard Em C I remembered the friendship D of long, long ago C G And the great Joe DiMaggio’s card. Em D Collectors would come, C they would knock at my door C G Letters arrived in the mail Em D We’ll pay half a million, C D C your card it is one of a kind G D G I’d answer them, it’s not for sale G D G I’d answer them, it’s not for sale. G D I’d read in the papers, Em from time to time C G Of events in the life of my friend G D He became Rosh Yeshiva, Em of our old school C G And now was a leader of men. G D But there was a fire Em that ravaged his school C G And I knew it just might break his heart G D So I reached in my drawer Em and I said my goodbyes C G To the great Joe DiMaggio’s card. Em D One day my grandson came C home from Yeshiva C G Holding a card that was new Em C D Look Zaidy Reb Shmuel is one of the Gedolim C G And I’m giving his card to you. Em D I lovingly hid it deep C inside my drawer C G Where it would be safe as can be Em D And I vowed I would keep it C D C forever and e-ver G D G It is so precious to me… G D G It is so very precious to me.