I'm riding along on a freight train, Bound for nobody knows where. I ran off from home just this morning, My heart was heavy with care.
I quarreled with my old father, Because of the thing I had done. He called me a drunkard and a gambler, Not fit to be called his son.
I cursed and swore at my father, And told him his words were a lie. I packed all my things in a bundle, And went to tell mother goodbye.
My poor mother broke down a-crying, "Son, oh my son, don't leave - Your poor mothers heart will be broken, And all my life long, I will grieve."
She kissed me and called me her darling, And around me her arms she did throw. I'll never forget that sad parting, As I said, "Mother dear, I must go."
As I ride along on this freight train, My mother's voice I can hear, Crying, "Oh son, don't leave me, It's more than my poor heart can bear."
I know she'll be there by the window, Day after day as I roam, Watching and waiting and praying, For her boy, who will never come home.
So boys, take this wanderer's warning, And don't break your poor mother's heart. Stay by her side - she will need you, And let nothing take you apart.
"An American song recorded in 1929 by Carson Robison & Frank Luther (under the alias of Bud Billing) and in 1933 by Kenneth Houchins. Viv's version probably stems, indirectly, from the 'Bud Billing' version that was issued in England on both the Zonophone and Regal Zonophone labels (Zo 5422 and RZ 5422 respectively) and in Ireland on the Irish Regal Zonophone label (Iz322). Song transcribed by John Howson. Song notes: Mike Yates"