Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp

The 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 neighbours started talkin'

But I was much too young to understand a thing they said

The things that mattered most of all was Mama's chicken dumplin's

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 neighbour volunteered to give a helpin' hand

So let 'em gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us

The proof is standin' 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...