The Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp

Corn was dry the weeds were high when
Daddy took to drinkin'
Then him and Lucy Walker
They took up and run 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 talking
But I was much too young to
Understand a thing they said
The things 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 and destitution
Came upon our family
Not one neighbor volunteered to
Give a helping hand
So let 'em gossip all they want
She loved us and she raised us
The proof is standing here a full grown man

Last summer Mama passed away
And left the ones who loved her
Each and every one was more
Than grateful for their birth
Each Sunday she receives a fresh
Bouquet of fourteen roses
And a card that says
"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

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

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