The Son of Hickory Holler's Tramp

Rogers Kenny

The corn was dry, the weeds were high 
when Daddy took to drinkin'
Then him and Lucy Walker, 
they took up and run away

Mama cried a tear and then she 
promised fourteen children
I swear you'll never see 
a hungry day.

When mama sacrificed her pride 
the neighbours started talkin'
But I was much too young to 
understand a thing they said

The things that mattered most 
of all was Mama's chicken dumplin's
And a goodnight kiss before 
we went to bed.

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.

When daddy left and destitution 
came upon our family
Not one neighbour volunteered 
to give a helpin' hand

So let 'em gossip all they want, 
she loved us and she raised us
The proof is standin' here, 
a full grown man.

Last summer Mama passed away 
and left the ones who loved her
Each and every one was more 
than grateful for their birth

Each Sunday she receives 
a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
And a card that says 
The greatest Mom on earth.

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.

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.

Oh, the path was deep and wide 
from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned a scarlet...