My mother learned a ballad as a child she sang with her cousins and other family members. The title of the song is "Within a Lonely Hovel" I have her recollection of the lyrics. What we really need is the tune. Anybody out there recognize this? I don't know its age or place of origin. My mom was born in 1924 in California, but some of her grandparents were from Missouri. Thanks for your help. You can respond to sharon@sharonwhitney.com if you have information. "Within a Lonely Hovel":

(1)

"Within a lonely Hovel Just at the break of day, A broken-hearted Mother Was kneeling down to pray.

( (2) All gone but little baby Who's nestled by her side, And in her baby accent Looked up to her and cried.

(3) Why have I no Papa? Whave we no home? Why should you be weeeping? And why are we alone?

(4) My dear you have a Papa\He's many miles away They took him off to prison For Life I heard them say

(5) God in Heaven have pitty Send back my Papa do So he may care for Moma And love his baby too!"