In a room so lonely and cheerless

Sits a woman, all alone

By her, a cradle stands empty

And o'er it she sobs and she moans:



"My husband, he no longer loves me

His love and our dear baby died

I'll leave him at home forever

And out in this old world abide"



She packed baby's things in a bundle

While the tears rolled down her cheeks

"I never, no never, would leave him

If ever a kind word he'd speak."



Just then the door softly was opened

A man took the bundle away

He laid the things out on the table

And softly to her he did say:



"One little stocking for you, dear

One little blue shoe is for me

The baby's wrap and its smallest cap

We'll keep in memory



One lock of hair is for you, dear

See how the golden curls shine

We'll keep a smile while she sleeps, for

She is the tie that binds"