Son of hickory hollers 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

Yeah, the weeds were high, the corn was dry

When daddy took to drinking

Him and Sally Walker, they up and ran away

Then Momma shed a silent tear

And promised fourteen children

"I swear you'll never see a hungry day"

When Momma sacrificed her pride

The neighbours started talking

But we were much too young

To understand the things they said

All we really cared about

Was Momma's chicken dumplings

And a goodnight kiss

Before we went to bed

Oh, you know, 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 lend a helping hand

So just let 'em gossip all they want

She loved us, and she raised us

The proof is standing here

A full grown man

Last summer Momma passed away

And left the ones who loved her

Each and every one is

More than grateful for their birth

And each Sunday she receives

A big bouquet of fourteen roses

With a card that reads

'The Greatest Mom on Earth'

Oh, you know, 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