You can see the sheet music at the web site of Indiana University's IN Harmony collection:


THERE'S A MOTHER ALWAYS WAITING YOU AT HOME, SWEET HOME.
Words and music by James Thornton.
New York: Geo. W. Meyer Music Co., © 1903*

1. "So you're going to leave the old home, Jim. Today you're going away.
You're going among the city folk to dwell."
So spoke a dear old mother to her boy one summer's day.
"If your mind's made up that way, I wish you well.
The old home will be lonely. We will miss you when you're gone.
The birds won't sing as sweet when you're not nigh.
But if you are in trouble, Jim, just write and let us know."
She spoke these words and then she said "goodbye."

CHORUS: "When sickness overtakes you,
When old companions shake you,
As through the world you wander all alone,
When friends you haven't any,
In your pocket not a penny,
There's a mother always waiting you at home, sweet home."

2. Ten years later to the village came a stranger no one knew.
His step was halt and ragged clothes he wore.
The little children laughed at him as down the lane he walked.
At last he stopped before a cottage door.
He gently knocked. No sound he heard. He thought, "Can she be dead?"
But soon he hears a voice well known to him.
'Twas mother's voice. Her hair was silvered by the touch of time.
She said, "Thank God! They've sent us back our Jim."


* IU's catalog says "1912" but the sheet music is marked "MCMIII."