The night was dark and stormy, the wind was howling wild
As an aged mother gazed upon the portrait of her child
As she gazed on the baby's features that once filled her heart with joy
He's now in this wide world a'roaming, that mother's long-lost boy
Your mother still prays for you, Jack
Your mother still prays for you
In a home far over the ocean
Your mother still prays for you
At last there came a letter, it was deeply edged in black
From a comrade long forgotten who still remembered Jack
They've lain your dear old mother in a grave so dark and cold
And she wants her boy who is roaming to meet her on the streets of gold
* Refrain
His stony heart was broken as he thought of his mother dear
And in spite of his comrades laughing he could not keep back his tears
In spite of the great temptation that once filled his heart with cheer
So he started for heaven that evening as sweetly the people did sing
* Refrain