[Verse 1]
One mornin', one mornin' as work I begun
What did I see ridin' out of the sun
On the road from Lexington?

[Verse 2]
One rider, one rider beatin' the breeze
Down on his saddle, low to his knees
Comin' through my willow trees

[Verse 3]
Now closer, the terrible work of the gun
Was stiffened and black where his blood all had run
But I knew my wayward son

[Verse 4]
One mornin', one mornin' the boy of my breast
Came to my door unable to rest
Even in the arms of death