On October 23rd, 1978
I lost a loved one and I confess, I cried
In the joyous celebration of the lady and her music
There were tears in the Holston River when Maybelle Carter died

Then walking down that river road, I saw crystal tear-shaped droplets
Silver beads of love sparklin' on the river side
And I'll just bet they turn to diamonds for the love that was behind 'em
There were tears in the Holston River when Mother Maybelle died

Then on January 8th, 1979
We lost Sara Carter and the pain was multiplied
Down below that old Clinch Mountain, we laid her at Mount Vernon
There were tears in the Holston River when Sara Carter died

Then walking down that river road, I saw crystal tear-shaped droplets
Silver beads of love sparklin' in the riverside
And I'll just bet they turn to diamonds for the love that was behind 'em
There were tears in the Holston River when Maybelle and Sara died
There were tears in the Holston River when Mother Maybelle and Sara Carter died