Letter Edged in Black

Cat. #0982 (MFH #370) - As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on March 11, 1970

VERSE 1
I was standin' by my window yesterday morning
Without a thought of worry or care
When th postman came up th pathway
With a smilin' face an' jolly air

VERSE 2
He sang an' whistled as he waited
He said, good morning to you Jack
But lettle did he know th sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me this letter edged in black

VERSE 3
With tremblin' hands I took th letter from him
Broke th seal an' this is what it said
Come home, my boy, your dear ole Father wants you
Come home, my boy, your dear ole Mother's dead

VERSE 4
The last words she ever uttered
Said, I want my boy to come back
While your Fathers poor ole heart is breakin'
I'm writin' you this letter edged in black

VERSE 5
Forget th angry words, I spoken
You know I didn't mean them, don't you Jack
May the angels bore with you, as you travel
'Er write this letter edged in black

Variants