Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp
By Merle Haggard
Written by Dallas Frazier & Merle Haggard
Album: Sing Me Back Home (1968)
Tabbed by Larry Mofle
4/17/2016

Capo 5

        D                                     C              G
Oh, the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
 C                   D                G
Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp
    D                                    C                   G 
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
     C              D                G
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp

    G                    C                    G  
The corn was dry and the weeds were high When daddy took to drinking
C            G                        D 
Him and Lucy Walker, they up and ran away
G             C                 G
Momma cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children
   C                  D            G 
"I swear you'll never see a hungry day."


When Momma sacrificed her pride, the neighbours started talking
But I were much too young to understand the things they said
The thing that mattered most of all Was Momma's chicken dumplings
And a goodnight kiss before we went to bed

Chorus

When Daddy left and destitution came upon our family
Not one neighbour volunteered to give 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
Each Sunday she receives a big bouquet of fourteen roses
And a card that reads 'The Greatest Mom on Earth'

Chorus