The Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp (Sing Me Back Home, 1968)
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin Above the door, there burned a scarlet lamp And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp
The corn was dry and the weeds were high when Daddy took to drinking Him and Lucy Walker, they took up and ran away Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children I swear you'll never see a hungry day
When Mama sacrificed her pride, the neighbors started talkin' But I was much too young to understand the things they said The thing that mattered most of all was Mama's chicken dumplings And a goodnight kiss before we went to bed
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp
When Daddy left then destitution came upon our family Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helping hand So let them gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us The truth is standing here, the full-grown man
Last summer Mama passed away and left the ones who loved her Each and every one is more than grateful for their birth Each Sunday she receives the fresh bouquet of fourteen roses And a card that reads, 'The greatest Mom on earth'
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp