qA LETTER FROM HOME

VERSE 1:
All around a western water tank, I met with a reckless crew
And one cowboy said to another, 'Jack, there's a letter here for you.'
'It may be from his sweetheart, boys!' cried a gruff voice from out in the crowd;
With a laugh and a jeer, they all gathered near, while Jack read his letter aloud.

(chorus)
This is only a letter from home sweet home, from loved ones down on the farm;
From wife and mother and sister and brother, praying to keep you from harm.
And baby's lisping a prayer tonight, to guard you wherever you roam--
We would welcome you, Jack, if you'd only come back, that's our message from home sweet home.

VERSE 2
'Then fare you well, my friends,' he said; 'I'm headed for that land.'
And one by one all the cowboys came and clutched him by his hand.
One said, 'If we'd had homes like yours, we'd all be better men;'
'Jack, before you go, old pal, won't you read us your letter again?'

CHORUS

I learned this song a little over 20 years ago from the Stoneman Family. Pop Stoneman recorded it 50 or so years ago.