Forbidden Dresses

(ahhhh) Ella plays out in the yard

Behind a locked white gate

I watch her from across the road

But I am not allowed to wait

They say I confuse her young mind

When I put on my favorite dress

They locked the door,

they drew the line

Left us both in this quiet mess

Oh Ella, my sweet Ella

I'm still your dad in silk and lace

They won't let me hold your hand

Or look upon your smiling

face (ooh-ooh)

Just silk and thread,

a simple dress Why does it keep us so apart?

They judge the cloth upon my back But never look inside my

heart (mmmmm)

Oh Ella, my sweet Ella

I'm still your dad in silk and lace

They won't let me hold your hand

Or look upon your smiling

face (ooh-ooh)

I still love you,

Ella... (mmmmm)