When I first thought to hobo'in, hobo'in
I took a freight train to be my friend, oh Lord
You know I hobo'd, hobo'd, hobo'd, hobo'd
Hobo'd a long, long way from home, oh Lord

Yes, my mother followed me that mornin', me that mornin', boy
She followed me down to the yard, oh yeah
She said, "My son he's gone, he's gone, he's gone
Yes, he's gone in a poor some wear, oh yeah"

Yes, I left my dear old mother, dear old mother
I left my honor, need a crime, oh Lord
Take care of my child
Take care, take care of my child