Crepe On The Old Cabin Door (aka Crepe Upon The Little Cabin Door)
Composer(s): Thompson - Guernsey
Performer(s): Vernon Dalhart
and multiple other artists



Oh, young fellows, do take warning
While you this tale I tell
I tell it from a heart that's sad and sore

Come and learn from me a lesson
As I have learned it well
From the crepe upon the little cabin door

Oh, I left my home and kindred
And those who loved me well
It broke my mother's heart, the life I led

Then, from her there came a letter
To say she wished me well
Now I tell to you the pleading words I read

"I'm getting old and feeble
My hair will soon be grey
And every day I'm waiting at the door

Oh, my boy, come home to see me
Before I go away
Oh, I fear I'll never see you anymore"

But I did not heed the warning
I'd hear it day by day
Just wasting time on women, wine and song

But this kind of sinful pleasure
Lasts only for a day
And the sorrows of repentance last so long

Then at last I journied homeward
And as I climbed the hill
I thought to see my mother's face once more

But as I passed through the gateway
My aching heart stood still
There was crepe upon the little cabin door

Oh, young fellows, do take warning
You've heard this tale I tell
You've heard it from a heart that's sad and sore

Come and learn from me a lesson
As I have learned it well
From the crepe upon the little cabin door