American Old Time Song Lyrics: 35 The Little Empty Cradle By The Wall

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 35

The Little Empty Cradle by the Wall.
Copyright, 1891, by Mary E. O'Connor.
Words by Mary E. O'Connor. Music by Eduard Holst

There's a memory I treasure of a promise that I gave.
As I stood beside my mother long ago;
To hear her loving blessing ere I sped across the wave,
And the parting words she whispered soft and low,
Remember, lad, my babies that have played around my knee.
One by one have answered heaven's call;
And when you cross the sea, there'll be nothing left to me
But that little empty cradle by the wall.

Chorus.
Never forget your mother, lad, wherever you may be;
Remember, wherever duty calls.
My heart will lonely be when there's nothing left to me
But that little empty cradle by the wall.

And though trials oft'times assailed me, many words of love I mailed,
And I kept that promise made whate'er betide,
Till I read the postman's message, that my mother's health had failed,
With a prayer to see her boy before she died.
I hastened on my journey and the well-known path I sped;
No mother came to greet me at the door.
And when again I kissed her, her spirit it had fled,
But my heart found comfort as I murmured o'er- Chorus.

Though many years have faded since they laid her down to rest,
That home to me will never seem the same.
For I miss the charm that bound me to that place I love the best;
'Twas her face that smiled a welcome when I came,
But mem'ry often paints it while my willing footsteps pause,
And tho' her smile I never more shall see,
I feel a blessing front above will follow me because
I ne'er forgot her parting words to me-Chorus.