Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right
Wherever your footsteps may roam
Forsake not the way of salvation, my boy
That you learned from your mother at home

Well, kneel down by the side of your mother, my boy
You've only a moment, I know
But stay till I give you this partin’ advice
It's all that I have to bestow

Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right
Wherever your footsteps may roam
Forsake not the way of salvation, me boy
That you learned from your mother at home

Well, I gave you to God in your cradle, my boy
And I taught you the best that I knew
And as long as His mercy permits me to live
I'll never cease prayin’ for you

Hold fast (Hold fast) to the right, hold fast to the right
Wherever your footsteps may roam
Forsake not the way of salvation, my boy
That you learned from your mother at home

Well, you'll find in your satchel a Bible, my boy
And it's the book, of all others, the best
It will teach you to live, and prepare you to die
And lead to the gates of the blessed
Hold fast (Hold fast) to the right, hold fast to the right
Wherever your footsteps may roam
Forsake not the way of salvation, my boy
That you learned from your mother at home