Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dea
They haven't got any place to go
You know, they're walkin' around from door to door
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead

Some people say that your sister will do
When your mother is dead
Some people say that your sister will do
When your mother is dead
Some people say that your sister will do
Soon as she's married turn her back on you
Motherless children have a hard time
When their mother is dead

Your daddy will do the best he can
When your mother is dead
Your daddy will do the best he can
When your mother is dead
Your daddy will do the best he can
But there's so many things your daddy can't understand
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead
Your wife, your husband will be good to you
When your mother is dead
Your wife, your husband will be good to you
When your mother is dead
Your wife, your husband will be good to you
But nobody loves you like your mother do
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead

Well, dig my grave with a bloody spade
When I'm dead
Well, dig my grave with a bloody spade
When I'm dead
Well, dig my grave with a bloody spade
Please make sure that the digger gets paid
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead

Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
When your mother is dead
Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
When your mother is dead
Well, Jesus will be a mother to you
Through trial and tribulations, well, he see you through
Motherless children have a hard time
When your mother is dead