Cat. #0421 (MFH #641) - As sung by Mr. Herbert Philbreck, Crocker, Missouri on October 28, 1959
I've a tender recollection
I've cherished all my life
An' age makes it grow dearer, day by day
Is a memory of a Mother
Whose voice is silent now
A Mother that her love has passed away
In a quite village churchyard
She has slumbered many years
Th only treasure life holds dear to me
T'is a mountain lost in twilight
I moisten many tears
From th teaching that I learn't on Mothers knee
For she's gentle an' she's kind
An' I ever bear in mind
Th many golden lessons she taught me
Tho' I've wealth an' earthly powers
Yet, I'd give all for one hour
To set upon my dear old Mothers knee
I remember in th evening
When th fire was burning bright
She called me to her side and says to me,
Be brave my boy an' truthful
An' never be ashamed
Of th reaching that you've learned on Mothers knee
For she's gentle and she's kind
An' I'll ever bear in mind
Th many golden lessons she's taught me
Tho' I've wealth an' earthly powers
That I'll give 'em all for hour
To set upon my dear ole Mothers knee