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