by his friend Janelle McComb for his daughter.

It was given to Lisa Marie as a birthday present

from Elvis on her fourth birthday.

The Priceless Gift

Birthdays are always special

as your fourth one comes to you

and I wondered what I'd give you

Just anything wouldn't do.

I thought of childish treasures

to hang upon your wall

Yet nothing seemed appropriate

or none I could recall.

Money seemed so cold and fleeting

Bought treasures go so fast

And I wanted a gift to please you

And one that would also last.

You know you're sort of special

You are really all we've got

You're Mama's bit of heaven

And Daddy's tiny tot.

I closed my eyes - the years rolled by

And I slowly found my way

To a shadowed corner in the attic

T'was a link to my yesterday.

I raised the lid to a frayed old trunk

And there a priceless treasure lay

A tattered apron with strings still tied

And I knew I heard her say -

"Son, I'm now just a precious memory

But don't ever forget one thing

I always tried to guide your life

With these worn out apron strings.

They guided a man named Lincoln

As he steered the ship of State

It's the only gift I gave you

That will never go out of date.

Apron strings changed the course of

History as great men felt their tug

They followed sons onto battle fields

Without the slightest shrug.

They guided both kings and beggars

Through harmony and strife

Son, you surely must have felt their tug

For how God has blessed your life.

I bowed my head and said a prayer

For I knew God had surely touched

A tattered old trunk so tucked away

And an apron that had meant so much.

So Lisa, I give you the "Priceless Gift"

That surpasses all other things

A whole lifetime of love for you

She tied in her apron strings.

Daddy

©1971 Janelle McComb

Source: http://www.elvis.com/elvisology/writings/elvis_pricelessgift.asp