"The Wayward Boy" lyrics - CHARLIE POOLE

A wayward boy got tired of home
He says, 'I'll go sea
I'll travel this wide world over
From home then I'll be free'

His mother says, 'Don't leave me, Jack
For you're my only joy'
But all in vain, he had his way
Though she said to her boy:

When you are tired and weary, dear boy
No longer wish to roam
Your dear old mother would welcome you
At home, home, sweet home

The wayward boy got tired at last
He longed for peace and rest
He longed for his dear old mother
Best friend he had on earth
But like a flower neglected
She had faded away and died
The only comfort that he had
Was the last words she cried:

The wayward boy went off to sea
Despite his mother's tears
No letter reached her from her son
In many weary years
He led a wild and reckless life
Though sometimes in his sleep
He could see his dear old mother's face
And sadly she would weep: