One night it was dark and 'twas stormy
And along came a tramp in the rain
He was making his way to some station
To catch a long distance train.

May I sleep in your barn tonight mister
It is cold lying out on the ground
And the cold north wind it is blowing
And I have no place to lie down.

Oh I have no tobacco or matches
And I'm sure that I'll do you no harm
I will tell you my story kind mister
For it runs through my heart like a thorn.

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

One night as I came from my workshop
I was whistling and singing with joy
I expected a kind hearted welcome
From my sweet loving wife and my boy.

But what should I find I find but a letter
It was placed in the room on the stand
And the moment my eyes fell upon it
I picked it right up in my hand.

Now this note said my wife and the stranger
They had left and had taken my son
Oh I wonder if God up in Heaven
Only knows what this stranger has done