The Son Of Hickory Holler's Lyrics - Merle Haggard

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 

The corn was dry and the weeds were high when Daddy took to drinking 

Him 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 a goodnight kiss before we went to bed 

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 

When Daddy left then destitution came upon our family 

Not one neighbor volunteered to give a helping hand 

So let them gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us 

The truth 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 a card that reads, 'The greatest Mom on earth' 

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, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp