Cat. #0716 (MFH #231) - As sung by Floyd McGinnis, Pea Ridge, Arkansas on May 20, 1969
VERSE 1
So you're going to leave the old home,
Jim today you're going away
You're going among th city folks to dwell
So spoke this dear old Mother, to her boy one summer day
She spoke these words an' then she said, farewell
The old home will be lonely, we'll miss you when you're gone
Th birds won't sing so sweet when you're not nigh
So spoke this dear ole Mother, to her boy one summer day
She spoke these words an' then she said, goodbye
The old home will be lonely, we'll miss you when you're gone
An' th birds won't sing so sweet, when you're not nigh
Up spoke th dear ole Mother, to her boy that sumer day
She spoke these words an' then she said, goodbye
VERSE 2
It was many years later, came a stranger, no one knew
His steps were halt an' ragged clothes, he wore
Th little children laughed at him, as down th street he walked
At last he stepped up to a cottage door
He gave a knock, no sound did he hear, he thought t'h she be dead
Just then he heard a voice, well known t' him
T'was th voice of his Mother, her hair gray by change of time
She said, thank God, He's sent me back my Jim
When sickness overtakes, your old friends they forsake you
Thru this world you wander all alone
When friends you haven't any, in your pocket not one penny
There's a Mother always waiting you at home, sweet home