The fat man sat on the busy street corner
His white beard, and red suit in line.
His Ho Ho brought joy to the children
For again it was Christmas time.
His belly would shake as he merrily laughed
Spreading his Christmas joy
I'm Santa! come sit on my knee he'd say
To each little girl and boy.

But standing apart from the merry crowd
Stood a lad about seven years old.
With no coat to cover his bony frame.
He was shaking and weak from the cold
He had no shoes to warm his feet.
He looked hungry, just skin and bones.
But with a look of peace on his humble little face
He just stood there all alone, when Santa saw the boy
A sympathy grew and he said
Come here lad, come here to me.
He covered the trembling frame with his robe
As he placed the child on his knee,

The boy looked up into Santa's eyes.
With worship for the bearded man
And he said my name's Billy and I love you sir.
Why you're the grandest in all the land.
And I didn't mean to be no trouble Santa
He went on trying hard to smile.

But I heard you laughing and I saw the kids
And I thought I'd just watch for awhile.
But I won't bother you with wanting nothing sir
Cause I already know I've been bad.
Santa looked down at the poor little ragged boy
And he said, son where is your mother and dad?

Well my daddy lives in prison Santa
That's what mama says anyhow.
They say he shot mama's boy friend
He's been there a long time now.
And me and mama, we live with Mr. Brown now
Mom works at the bar every day.
Mr. Brown just drinks beer and cusses a lot
When ever I get in his way.
So I've been gone about four days now, Santa
I've been sleeping in cars that I find.
And I know that makes me a bad boy.
But you've sure been treating me kind.

I've been praying for you since I've been big enough Santa
Every Christmas Eve night
And then the next day the kids get all the toys
And I know that you made it alright.
And I'm so glad to see them so happy as I go walking along
But my stocking is always empty and that's how I know I done wrong.
Mr. Brown told me all about it he says I just ain't no good.
And I know he's right cause you never came sir
And I know if I wasn't bad that you would.

It's okay son, Santa muttered
Such faith you've not seen in awhile.
Though a tear was straining to fill his eyes
He looked down at the lad with a smile.
Just tell Santa what you'd like son
Anything you might have in mind.
I didn't know where you lived before Billy
But I promise I won't miss you next time.

Little Billy's face quickly grew brighter
Such luck he would never have guessed.
After thinking awhile he finally said
Well sir, I might just have one request.
Have you been up to heaven Santa?
Why I bet you know God, as good as you are.
Could I ride up to Jesus' house sir
If it's not too awful far.

He might just let me live there awhile
Daddy says He likes little boys
And I wouldn't take up too much room sir
I'd just sit in the back with the toys.
And I promise not to be bad Santa
And I could help God do His chores.
And he might even let me see daddy
And I wouldn't be hungry no more.

I'm so tired and sleepy now Santa
Said the child as he looked toward the skies
With a sigh he relaxed against Santa's chest
And peacefully closed his eyes.
Santa quickly felt for the little boys pulse
Someone please get a doctor, he said.
But when the ambulance took little Billy away
Everyone knew he was dead.

The children had grown more silent
As they listened to the little boy.
They were no longer happy and laughing
His story had stolen their joy.
They looked to Santa for comfort
He fought for the right words to say.
He said now kids don't be sad for Billy
Cause he just went to heaven today
He wanted to go and live with God.
So everything's alright.

Let thoughts of Billy make your hearts be kind
And I'll see you all Christmas Eve night.
Merry Christmas everybody.