I
So you're going to leave the old home Jim
Today you're going away
So you're going among the city folk to dwell
So spoke a kind old mother to her boy one summer's day
If you're mind's made up that way I wish you well
The old home will be lonesome
We'll miss you when you go
The birds won't sing so sweet when you're not nigh
But if you get in trouble Jim just write and let us know
She spoke these words and then she said goodbye

(chorus)
If sickness over takes you
And old companions shake you
As through this world you wander all alone
When friends you haven't any
In your pocket not a penny
There's a mother always waiting you at home

II
Ten years later to this village came a stranger no one knew
His steps were haunt and ragged clothes he wore
The little children laughed at him
As down the lane he trod
At last he stopped before a cottage door
He gently knocked no sound he heard
He thought can she be dead
But then he heard a voice well known to him
Twas his mother's voice but her hair had silvered
By the touch of time
And she said thank God they've sent me home my Jim