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...