"The Son Of Hickory Hollow's Tramp"

Written by Dallas Frazier

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 drinking.
Him and Sally Walker, they up and ran away.
Then Momma shed a silent tear,
And promised fourteen children,
"I swear you'll never see a hungry day."

When Momma sacrificed her pride,
The neighbors started talking.
But we were much too young
To understand the things they said.
All we really cared about
Was Momma's chicken dumplings
And a goodnight kiss
Before we went to bed.

Oh, you know, 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 lend a helping hand.
So just let 'em gossip all they want ...
She loved us, and she raised us.
The proof is standing here,
A full-grown man.

Last summer, Momma passed away,
And left the ones who loved her.
Each and every one of us is
More than grateful for their birth.
And each Sunday she receives
A big bouquet of fourteen roses,
With a card that reads
"The Greatest Mom on Earth!"

Oh, you know, 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!