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, Im the son of Hickory Hollers tramp
The corn was dry, the weeds were high
When daddy took to drinking
Him and Lucy Walker, they up and run away
Then Momma Cried tear
And promised fourteen children
I swear youll 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 Mommas 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, Im the son of Hickory Hollers 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, Im the son of Hickory Hollers tramp