Lyrics

You're going to leave the old home Jim today you're going away
You're going among those city folks to dwell
So spoke a dear old Mother to her boy one summer’s day
If your mind’s made up that way I wish you well.

The old home will be lonely we'll miss you when you're gone
The birds won't sing so sweet when you're not nigh
But if you are in trouble Jim just write and let me know
She spoke those words and then she said goodbye.

Let sickness overtake you or old companions shame you
Through this world you'll wander all alone
For friends you haven't any in your pocket not a penny
There's a mother always waiting you at home.

Ten years later to the village came a stranger no-one knew
His steps were slow and ragged clothes he wore
The village children laughed at him as down the lane he walked
‘Til he stopped outside a cabin door.

He stood a while and gently knocked he thinks now she’ll be dead
Then a voice well known to him he heard
Was mother's voice her hair was grey violet touch of tin
She said thank God you’ve sent us back our Jim.

Let sickness overtake you or old companions shame you
Through this world you’ll wander all alone
For friends you haven't any in your pocket not a penny
There's a mother always waiting you at home.

see also   You're going to leave the old home town / Michael McFeeley