The Carter Family

Poor Little Orphaned Boy

The Carter Family


Tom: G

        G                                D                 G
    My mother died when I was young, my sisters they were sad,
                                           D                G
    they lay their hands upon my head and taught me how to pray.

    G                   C                  G              D
So now my mother she's gone to rest in the land of purest joy,
       G                               D                  G
and I wonder if she thinks of me, her poor little orphan boy.

( G D G G D G )

        G                             D              G
    When I was only two years old, I never shall forget,
                                      D                G
    a parting kiss she gave to me, I sometimes feel it yet.

    G                   C                  G              D
So now my mother she's gone to rest in the land of purest joy,
       G                               D                  G
and I wonder if she thinks of me, her poor little orphan boy.

( G D G G D G )

        G                               D              G
    When I was sick and every hour she watched me as I lay,
                                            D               G
    and with her kind and gentle hand she smoothed me tenderly.

    G                   C                  G              D
So now my mother she's gone to rest in the land of purest joy,
       G                               D                  G
and I wonder if she thinks of me, her poor little orphan boy.

( G D G G D G )

        G                                 D                  G
    So now I press this world alone, her love with me shall stay,
                                              D                  G
    and from the throne above the skies her smiles shall rest on me.

    G                   C                  G              D
So now my mother she's gone to rest in the land of purest joy,
       G                               D                  G
and I wonder if she thinks of me, her poor little orphan boy.

( G D G G D G )