A
So you're going to leave the old home Jim today you're going away
E A
So you're going among the city folk to dwell
So spoke a kind old mother to her boy one summer's day
E A
If you're mind's made up that way I wish you well
D A
The old home will be lonesome we'll miss you when you go
E
The birds won't sing so sweet when you're not nigh
A
But if you get in trouble Jim just write and let us know
E A
She spoke these words and then she said goodbye
D A
If sickness over takes you or old companions shake you
E A
As through this world you wander all alone when friends you haven't any
D
In your pocket not a penny
E A
There's a mother always waiting you at home
A
Ten years later to this village came a stranger no one knew
E A
His steps were haunt and ragged clothes he wore
The little children laughed at him as down the lane he trod
E A
At last he stopped before a cottage door
D A
He gently knocked no sound he heard he thought can she be dead
E
But then he heard a voice well known to him
A
Was his mother's voice but her hair had silvered by the touch of time
E A
And she said thank God they've sent me home my Jim
D A
If sickness over takes you or old companions shake you
E A
As through this world you wander all alone when friends you haven't any
D
In your pocket not a penny
E A
There's a mother always waiting you at home