I remember very well on a dark and dreary day Just as I was leaving home for a distant land to roam Mother said, my dear boy, I hope to see you next year again Very well, very well, very well I left my dear old home for a distant land to roam And these words she said to me as she took me by the hand If on earth we meet no more, may we meet at God's right hand Mother said, my dear boy, I hope to see you next year again Very well, very well, very well I left my dear old home for a distant land to roam Now I've wandered far away from my home I've gone astray Now I'm coming, coming home never more from thee to roam Mother said, my dear boy, I hope to see you next year again Very well, very well, very well I left my dear old home for a distant land to roam Now I'm coming, coming home never more from thee to roam