"So, you're going to leave the old home, Jim

Today you're going away

So, you're going among the city folks to dwell"

So spoke a kind old mother

To her boy one summer day

"If your mind's made up that way, I wish you well

The old home will be lonesome

We'll miss you when you go

The birds won't sing so sweet when you're not nigh

But if you get in trouble, Jim

Just write and let us know"

She spoke these words and then she said goodbye CHORUS:

If sickness overtakes you

Or old companions shake you

As through this world you wander all alone

When friends you haven't any

In your pocket not a penny

There's a mother always awaiting you at home Ten years later to this village

Came a stranger no one knew

His steps were halt and ragged clothes he wore

The little children laughed at him

As down the lane he trod

At last he stopped before a cottage door

He gently knocked, no sound he heard

He thought, "Can she be dead?"

But then he heard a voice well known to him

Was his mother's voice, but her hair had silvered

By the touch of time

And she said, "Thank God, they've sent me home my Jim" REPEAT CHORUS