One night while the moon from heaven was shining
My mother was praying for me to come home
She asked her dear lord watch o'er me out yonder
To send me back home to never more roam

When I left my old home way back in the mountains
I said I'd return with honor and fame
But a young reckless heart turned wrong at the crossroads
And now as I go home I bring mother shame

When I got to the place where I spent my childhood
The silvery moon was shining so bright
When I asked my dear friends to tell me of mother
They said she was called on to heaven last night

She told them of how she was longing to see me
How lonely her home since I went away
Said darling repent and ask for forgiveness
And meet mother there in heaven some day

Mother has gone to live with the angels
Her soul is at rest around the great throne
Now I have no one left here to advise me
For mother no longer awaits me at home