[Verse 1]
I was standing by my window yesterday morning
Without a thought of worry or regret
When I saw the postman coming down the pathway
He was bringing me a letter edged in black

[Verse 2]
Well, he rang the bell and whistled as he waited
Then he said, "Good morning to ya, Jack"
But he never knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black

[Verse 3]
With trembling hand, I took the letter from him
I broke the seal and this is what it said:
"Come home, my boy, your dear old father wants you
Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead."

[Verse 4]
"The last words that your mother ever uttered was
'Tell my boy I want him to come back
My eyes are dim, my poor old heart is breaking
And I'm writing you this letter edged in black.'"

[Verse 5]
I bowed my head in sorrow and in silence
The sunshine of my life, it all has fled
Since the postman brought that letter yesterday morning Saying, "Come home, my boy, your poor old mother's dead."
[Verse 6]
Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken
You know I never meant them, don't you, Jack?
May the angels bear me witness, I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black