Letter Edged In Black

Cat. #0345 (MFH #370) - As sung by Mrs. Pearl Brewer, Pocahontas, Arkansas on May 27, 1959

VERSE 1
I was standing by my window yesterday morning
Without a thought of worry or of care
When I saw th postman coming up th pathway
With such a happy smile and jolly air

VERSE 2
He rang th bell and whistled while he waited
And then he said, good morning to you Jack
But little knew th sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me th letter edged in black

VERSE 3
With trembling hands I took th letter from him
I broke th seal an' this is what it read
Come home my boy, your dear ole Father wants you
Come home my boy, your dear ole Mother's dead

VERSE 4
Those angry words I wish I'd never spok'un
Tho you know I didn't mean them, don't you Jack
My eyes are blurred, my poor ole heart is broken
While I'm writing you this letter edged in black

VERSE 5
Th last words that your Mother ever spok'un
Was, tell my boy I want him to come back

Variants