Letter Edged in Black

Cat. #1586 (MFH #370) - As sung by Louise Cornelius, Dadeville, Missouri on September 17, 1976

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

VERSE 2
O, he rang th bell an' whistled while he waited
An' then he said, good morning to you Jack
He 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 said,
Come home my boy, your poor ole Father needs you
Come home my boy, your dear old Mother's dead

VERSE 4
Th last words that she ever uttered
Was, tell my boy I want him to come back
My heart is sad, my poor heart is breaking
While I'm writing you this letter edged in black

Variants