The Sweetest Gift, A Mother's Smile
James B. Coats

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One day a mother came to the prison  
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To see an erring but precious son  
She told the warden how much she loved him  
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It did not matter what he had done.  
  
 (Chorus)  
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She did not bring (to) him  
Parole or pardon (free)  
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She brought no silver (or gold)  
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No pomp or style (to see)  
It was a halo (bright)  
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Sent down from heaven('s light)  
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The sweetest gift, a mother's smile.

Her boy had drifted far from the fireside
Tho' she had pleaded with him each night
Yet not a word did she ever utter
And tho' her heart ached, her smile was bright.

She left a smile son, you can remember
She's gone to heaven, from heartache free
The bars around you could never change her
You were her baby, and e'er will be.