MAY I SLEEP IN YOUR BARN TONIGHT, MISTER?

One night it was dark and it was storming
When along came a tramp in the rain
He was making his way to some station
To catch a long distance train.

May I sleep in your barn tonight, Mister?
It is cold lying out on the ground
And the cold North wind is whistling
And I have no place to lie down.

Oh, I have no tobacco or matches
And I'm sure that I'll do you no harm
I will tell you my story, kind mister
For it runs through my heart like a storm.

It was three years ago last Summer
I shall never forget that sad day
When a stranger came out from the city
And said that he wanted to stay.

Now, the stranger was fair, tall and pleasant
And he looked like a man who had wealth
In his eyes there, a sad look was present
Said he wanted to stay for his health.

Now, my wife thought his board and his lodging
Could afford to keep us a home
So we took in that tall, handsome stranger
Who later did break up our home.

One night, as I came from my workshop
I was whistling and singing with joy
I expected a kind-hearted welcome
From my sweet, loving wife and my boy.

But what did I find but a letter?
It was placed in a room on the stand
And the moment my eyes fell upon it
I picked it right up in my hand.

Now, this note said my wife and the stranger
They had left and had taken my son
Oh, I wonder if God up in heaven
Only knows what this stranger has done?

Note. The song was revived/recorded in the 60's as:
May I Sleep In Your Arms Tonight, Mister? By Jeanie Seely
In fact, she sang the INTRO to it on Backstage at the Opry just last week.

If you want to discuss this song, try this thread: Lyr Add: May I Sleep in Your Barn Tonight Mister--JoeClone, 20-Nov-07.