When I was but a little child, how well I recollect How I would grieve my mother with my folly and neglect; And now that she has gone to Heav’n I miss her tender care: O Savior, tell my mother I’ll be there!
Refrain: Tell mother I’ll be there, in answer to her prayer; This message, blessed Savior, to her bear! Tell mother I’ll be there, Heav’n’s joys with her to share; Yes, tell my darling mother I’ll be there.
Though I was often wayward, she was always kind and good; So patient, gentle, loving when I acted rough and rude; My childhood griefs and trials she would gladly with me share: O Savior, tell my mother I’ll be there!
When I became a prodigal, and left the old rooftree, She almost broke her loving heart in mourning after me; And day and night she prayed to God to keep me in His care: O Savior, tell my mother I’ll be there!
One day a message came to me, it bade me quickly come If I would see my mother ere the Savior took her home; I promised her, before she died, for heaven to prepare: O Savior, tell my mother I’ll be there!
