I was standin' by my window yesterday mornin'
Without a thought of worry or of care
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway
With such a happy face and carefree air

He rang the bell and whistled as he waited
Then he said, 'Good morning to you, Jack'
But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black

With trembling hands I took that 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'

The last words your mother ever uttered
Were, 'Tell my boy, I want him to come back'
My eyes are dimmed, my poor old heart is broken
As I write to you this letter edged in black

Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken
You know I did not mean them, don't you, Jack?
May the angels bear me witness I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black

I bowed my head in sorrow and in sadness
The sunshine of my life it all had fled
Since the postman brought that letter yesterday mornin'
Sayin', 'Come home, my boy, your mother dear is dead'

I could hear the postman whistlin' yesterday mornin'
Coming up the pathway with his pack
But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
As he handed me that letter edged in black