THE LETTER EDGED IN BLACK
 G                                     D
I was standing by my window yesterday mornin’
                                   G        
Without a thought of worry or of regret
                                       C
When I saw the postman coming down the pathway
        D                             G    
He was bringin’ me a letter edged in black

      G                                   D                                   
Well he rang the bell and whistled while he waited
                                  G
Than he said good morning to you Jack
                                       C
But he never knew the sorrow that he brought me
         D                              G         
When he handed me that letter edged in black

        G                                   D
With trembling hand I took the letter from him
                                      G
I broke the seal and this is what it said
                                      C 
Come home my boy your dear old father wants you
           D                             G     
Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead

     G                                D
The last words that your mother ever uttered
                                    G
Was tell my boy I want him to come back
                                       C
My eyes are dim my poor old heart is breakin’
           D                              G       
And I’m writing you this letter edged in black

   G                                    D
I bowed my head in sorrow and then in silence                                     
                                    G
The sunshine of my life it all has fled
                                                 C
Since the postman brought that letter yesterday mornin’
                 D                              G
Sayin’ come home my boy your poor old mother’s day

  G                                 D
Those angry words I wish I’d never spoken
                                       G
You know I never meant them don’t you Jack
                                     C
May the angels bear me witness I am asking
         D                                G
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black