I have a piece of paper written by my Grandmother February 8,1903 with this song on it - just the words. My Mom told me my Grandmother loved this song. Have no idea where or how my grandmother first heard it. My grandmother lived all of her life on farms in Washington County, MD.

1st Verse
On the banks of a lonely river,
Ten thousand miles away,
I had an aged mother
Whose hair was turning gray;
Then blame me not for weeping,
Oh blame me not I pray,
For I must see my mother,
Ten thousand miles away.

Chorus

Then I wish I were a little bird, little bird,
I'd fly so far so far away,
To the banks of that lonely river,
Ten thousand miles away.

2nd Verse

Last night as I lay sleeping,
A vision I did see,
I dreamt I saw my mother
A praying there for me;
They tell me they have laid her
In the cold and silent grave,
On the banks of that lonely river,
Ten thousand miles away

Chorus

3rd Verse

Today I got a letter,
'Twas from my sister dear,
She spoke of dear old mother,
I wish that she was here;
But as years roll on before me,
I sometimes kneel and pray
For the banks of that lonely river,
Ten thousand miles away.

Chorus