[Verse 1]
May I sleep in your barn tonight, Mister?
It's cold lying out on the ground
And the cold north wind is a-whistling
And I have no place to lie down

[Verse 2]
Now I have no tobacco nor matches
And I'm sure I can cause you no harm
I will tell you my story, kind Mister
For it runs through my heart like a storm

[Verse 3]
It was three years ago, just last summer
I shall never forget that sad day
When a stranger came out from the city
And said that he wanted to stay

[Verse 4]
Now the stranger was fair tall and handsome
And he looked like a man who had wealth
And he wanted to stay in the country
Said he wanted to stop for his health

[Verse 5]
One night as I came from my workshop
I was whistling and singing with joy
I expected a kind hearty welcome
From my sweet loving wife and my boy
[Verse 6]
But what did I find but a letter
It was placed in my room on a stand
And the moment my eyes fell upon it
I picked it right up in my hand

[Verse 7]
Now this note said my wife and the stranger
Had left and had taken my son
Oh, I wonder if God up in heaven
Only knows what this stranger has done

[Verse 1]
May I sleep in your barn tonight, Mister?
It's cold lying out on the ground
And the cold north wind is a-whistling
And I have no place to lie down