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