The corn was dry, the weeds were high when Betty 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
When Mama sacrificed her pride, the neighbors started talkin'
But I was much too young to understand a thing they said
The things that mattered most of all was Mama's chicken duplins
And a goodnight kiss before we went to bed
Oh, the path was deep and wide from the footsteps into the cabin
Above the door the burns started playin'
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Harvest Tree
When Daddy left and 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 proof is standing here for her name
Last summer Mama passed away and left the ones who loved her
Each and every one was more than grateful for their birth
Each Sunday she receives a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
And a card that says the greatest Mama ever
Oh, the path was deep and wide from the footsteps into our cabin
Above the door the burns started playin'
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Harvest Tree
Oh, the path was deep and wide from the footsteps into our cabin
Above the door the burns started playin'
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Harvest Tree
Oh, the path was deep and wide from the footsteps into our cabin
Above the door the burns started playin'
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Harvest Tree