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 neighbors started talking
But I was much too young to understand a thing they said
The things that mattered most of all was Mama's chicken dumplings
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 neighbor volunteered to give a helping hand
So let 'em gossip all they want
She loved us and she raised us
The proof is standing 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 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