I was standing by my window yesterday morning

Without a thought a worry or of care

When I saw the postman coming down the pathway

With such a happy smile and jolly air

He rang the bell and he whistled while he waited

And then he said good morning to you Jack

But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me

When he handed me a letter edged in black

With trembling hands I took the letter from him

I broke the seal and this is what it said

Come home my boy your poor old father wants you

Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead

Your mother's last words she ever uttered

Was tell my boy I want him to come back

Oh my eyes are blurred my poor old heart is breaking

While I'm writing you this letter edged in black

Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken

You know I did not mean them don't you Jack

May the angels bear me witness I am asking

Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black

I can see the postman whistling every morning

Coming down the pathway with his pack

But he never knew the sorrow that he brought me

When he handed me a letter edged in black