[Verse 1]
I received a letter that my man was dyin'
I received a letter that my man was dyin’
I caught the first train and went back home flyin'

[Verse 2]
He wasn't dead but he was slowly dyin’
He wasn't dead but he was slowly dyin'
And to think of him, I just can't keep from cryin'

[Instrumental Break]

[Verse 3]
I followed my daddy to the buryin' ground
I followed my daddy to the buryin' ground
I watched the pallbearers slowly let him down

[Verse 4]
That was the last time I saw my daddy's face
That was the last time I saw my daddy’s face
Mama loves you, sweet papa, but I just can’t take your place