There’s a friend of mine that I’ve never met
Walked with or broken bread with, yet
I’ve talked to him oft and he’s talked to me
Whenever I’ve been where he’s chanced to be;
He’s a cheery old chap who keeps out of sight,
A gay little fellow whose name is Bob White.
Bob White! Bob White! I can hear him call
As I follow the trail to my little ball-
Bob White! Bob White! with a note of cheer
That was just designed for a mortal ear.
Then I drift far off from the world of men
And I send an answer right back to him then;
An’ we whistle away to each other there,
Glad of the life which is ours to share.
Bob White! Bob White! May you live to be
The head of a numerous family!
May you boldly call to your friends out here,
With never an enemy’s gun to fear.
I’m a better man as I pass along,
For your cheery call and your bit of song.
May your food be plenty and skies be bright
To the end of your days, good friend Bob White!