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 drinkin'
Him and Sally Walker, they up and ran away
Then Mama shed a silent tear and promised fourteen children
I swear you'll never see a hungry day
When mama sacrificed her pride, the neighbours started talkin'
But we were much too young to understand the things they said
All we really cared about 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 lend a helpin' hand
So just 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 is more than grateful for their birth
And each Sunday she receives a big bouquet of fourteen roses
With a card that greets the greatest Mum 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 ....
