Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin   And 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 Hickory Holler's tramp      Oh the corn was dry the weeds were high when papa took the drinking   He and Lucy Walker they took up and ran away   Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children   I swear you'll never see a hungry day   When mama sacrificed her pride the neighbors started talkin'   But I was much too young to understand the things they said   The thing that mattered most of all was mama's chicken dumplings   And the goodnight kiss before we went to bed   Oh the path was deep and wide...   [ guitar ]   When papa left then destitution came upon our family   Not one neighbor volunteered to lend a helping hand   So let them gossip all they want she loved us and she raised us   The proof is standing here the full grown man   Last summer mama passed away and left the ones who loved her   Each and every one is more than grateful for their birth   Each Sunday she receives the fresh bouquet of fourteen roses   And the card that reads the greatest mom on earth   Oh the path was deep and wide...   Yes I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp