There were five of us boys in the family we told our dear mama goodbye

And left our little home down in Georgie our luck in the city to try

We agreed to go back there and see her when two years had passed away

She told us that she would be waiting that two years is over today

They're all going home to mama tonight they're all going home but one

And mama will be so happy tonight and proud of each fortunate son

But one of her boys will be missing there's one she will fail to see

They're all going home to mama tonight they're all going home but me

[ harmonica ]

Tonight it's so dark here in prison I sit gazing out through the bars

And thinkin' of mama in Georgie I can still see her face in the stars

The rest were all steadfast and loyal not one tear would they cause her to shed

But I was the one who disgraced her a criminal better off dead

They're all going home to mama tonight they're all going home but me