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   Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp      Yeah, the weeds were high, the corn was dry   When daddy took to drinking   Him and Sally Walker, they up and ran away   Then Momma shed a silent tear   And promised fourteen children   "I swear you'll never see a hungry day"      When Momma sacrificed her pride   The neighbours started talking   But we were much too young   To understand the things they said   All we really cared about   Was Momma's chicken dumplings   And a goodnight kiss   Before we went to bed      Oh, you know, 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   Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp      When Daddy left and destitution   Came upon our family   Not one neighbour volunteered   To lend a helping hand   So just let 'em gossip all they want   She loved us, and she raised us   The proof is standing here   A full grown man      Last summer Momma passed away   And left the ones who loved her   Each and every one is   More than grateful for their birth   And each Sunday she receives   A big bouquet of fourteen roses   With a card that reads   'The Greatest Mom on Earth'      Oh, you know, 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   Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp