I HAVE AN AGED MOTHER
As recorded by the Carter Family, 1930. (Montgomery Ward M-7446)

Last night while I lay sleeping,
Last night while in a dream,
I saw my dear old mother
Down by a misting stream.
Don't ask me why I'm weeping.
Don't ask me why I pray,
For I've an aged mother
Ten thousand miles away.

A letter here from sister dear:
"Come home; we're all alone.
Dear mother's slowly fading.
She can't be living long."
Don't ask me why I'm weeping.
Don't ask me why I pray.
I've a dear old mother dying
Ten thousand miles away.

[Yodel]
Out in the cold world,
Long ways from home.

I'm drawing near the old home.
Dear sister's at the gate.
She's leading me through the doorway.
"Oh, brother, you've come too late."
"Oh, lead me to the casket.
Throw back the linen so fine,
That I may kiss her pale white lips,
For I know they'll never kiss mine.

I see the pale moon shining
On mother's whitened stone.
The rosebuds round them twining
Are just like me, alone.

[Yodel]
Out in the cold world,
Left all alone.