Cat. #1147 (MFH #798) - As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on July 15, 1970
VERSE 1
Orphant children have a hard time, when Mother's dead
Orphant children has a hard time, when Mother's dead
They are driven out in th cold
For they got nowhere to go
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world
VERSE 2
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world
Sister does the best she can
But she don't really understand
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world
VERSE 3
Brother won't treat ya like Mother will, when Mother's dead
Brother won't treat ya like Mother will, when Mother's dead
They will ask for a piece of bread
An' I told t' go t' bed
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world
VERSE 4
Friend won't treat you like Mother will, when Mother's dead
Friend won't treat you like Mother will, when Mother's dead
They will tell you what to do
An' they'll turn your back on you
Orphant children has a hard time, in this world