As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.
Proverbs 27:8
Words: Mrs. T. M. Griffin, in Song Land Messenger No. 2, by Anthony J. Showalter et al. (Dallas, Texas & Dalton, Georgia: Showalter-Lincoln & A. J. Showalter, 1898), number 94.
Music: George R. Cairns (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Griffin’s full name, or where to get a good photo of her or Cairns,
Once I was pure as dews that fall
From the morning clouds above.
Now I am held in the world’s dark thrall,
Away from the Father’s love.
Refrain
Then pray for your boy tonight!
Tonight, oh, pray for me!
Pray God to give your boy the light,
To lead him to Heaven and thee.
Weary the world, and dark and wild,
And with many a fatal snare,
As onward sweeps the surging tide,
Away from God and prayer.
Refrain
Mother, my heart is hard and cold,
And is blighted with grief and care;
Pray for your boy as oft of old,
When a child beside your chair.
Refrain
Tho’ in the toils of sin your boy
Yet is wandering far from home,
Often he yearns for the olden joy,
Before he began to roam.
Refrain