Kenny Rogers
SON OF HICKORY HOLLER'S TRAMP
Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp

The corn was dry, the weeds were high when Daddy took to drinkin'
Then him and Lucy Walker, they took up and run away
Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children
"I swear you'll never see a hungry day."

Oh, the path was deep and wide, from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp
And late at night, a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
I'm the son of Hick'ry Holler's tramp.

Mama sacrificed her pride, and neighbors started talkin'
But I was much too young to understand the things they said
The things that mattered most of all was Mama's chicken dumplin's
And a goodnight kiss before we went to bed.

When daddy left, and destitution came upon our fam'ly
Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helpin' hand
So let 'em gossip all they want; she loved us and she raised us.
The proof is standing here, a full grown man.

The things that mattered most of all was
Mama's chicken dumplin's
And a goodnight kiss before we went to bed.

When daddy left, and destitution came upon our fam'ly
Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helpin' hand
So let 'em gossip all they want; she loved us and she raised us.
The proof is standing here, a full grown man.

Last summer Mama passed away and left the ones who loved her
Each and ev'ry one is more than grateful for his birth
Each Sunday she receives a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
And a card that says, "The greatest Mom on earth."