Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin

And above the door there burned a scarlet lamp

And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger

I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp



Oh the corn was dry the weeds were high when papa took the drinking

He 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 the goodnight kiss before we went to bed

Oh the path was deep and wide...

[ guitar ]

When papa left then destitution came upon our family

Not one neighbor volunteered to lend a helping hand

So let them gossip all they want she loved us and she raised us

The proof 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 the card that reads the greatest mom on earth

Oh the path was deep and wide...

Yes I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp