Cat. #1181 (MFH #132) - As sung by O.B. Campbell, Vinita, Oklahoma on August 9, 1971
VERSE 1
What will th birds do this spring, Mother dear
Those little brown birds 'round th door
Will they hop an' skip an' a chirp on th wing
Asking why Joe wanders no more
VERSE 2
What will th kitten do all alone, Mother dear
Will it stop in its play for a day
Lie on th rug by th side of my bed
As he did when I went away
VERSE 3
What will happen, Mother dear, to my poor little dog
For I know he will always be true
Keepin' happy an' gay as he always has been
An' sleeping the whole summer through
VERSE 4
Show him my coat so he will not forget
Little Master, who then will be dead
Speak to him kindly an' of't times, Joe
An' pat 'im on his brown shaggy head
VERSE 5
Thank old Uncle Tom at th garden so bright
Will you ask 'im for flowers for me
Will he give you th ones, he has tender with care
Th first fair bloom of th tree
VERSE 6
I've seen th tears in his honest ole eyes
Tho', he said it was wind brought them there
As he looked on my cheek growing thinner each day
An' his hand trembling all over my hair
VERSE 7
There's an ole Uncle Jack in th far off camp
Will feel sad o'er th letter that you write
Only tell'im, Mother dear, that I've gone
Marching near an' near th front
VERSE 8
O, Mother dear, will you miss me for awhile
There in Heaven, no longer will I grow
Many kind angel's will meet you at th gate
When you ask for your darling little Joe