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 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

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