The sheet music of the original is in the Levy Collection as "The Death of Little Joe," music and lyrics by V. E. Marston, 1866, pub. by G. Andre & Co., Philadelphia.
It starts with the verse about the birds. Several verses have been added by later singers, and the chorus is usually omitted.

Lyr. Add: The Death of Little Joe

1.
What will the birds do, mother, this spring!
The dear birds that come to the door,
Will they tap on the window or hop on the step,
Asking why Joe goes out no more.

Refrain
Little Joe will soon, will soon be sleeping,
Sleeping calmly in the cold, cold ground,
Mother dear, O cease your weeping,
For your darling boy in heaven will soon be crowned,
Mother dear, O cease your weeping,
For your darling boy in heaven will soon be crowned.
For in heaven he'll soon be crowned,
For in heaven he'll soon be crowned.

2.
And Tiger, oh mother, love Tiger for me,
I know he will mourn for me true,
So keep him when idle and useless he grows,
Sleeping all the long summer day through.

3.
And you, mother darling, will miss me for awhile,
Yet in heaven no larger I'll grow,
So any kind angel will know when you ask
At the gate for your own Little Joe.