The Wandering Boy

Lyrics: `Traditional
Music: Traditional

"Wandering Boy" appears in a setlist for the David Nelson Band's show on 28 August 1984. No tape seems to exist and it isn't clear what song it is. The most likely is the traditional song recorded by the Carter Family, Doc Watson, the Stanley Brothers, Cheryl Crow and others:

Out in the cold world and far away from home
Somebody's boy is wandering alone
No one to guide him and keep his footsteps right
Somebody's boy is homeless tonight

Out in the hallway there stands a vacant chair
Yonder's the shoes my darling used to wear
Empty the cradle, the one that's loved so well
How I miss him there's no tongue can tell

Bring back my boy, my wandering boy
Far, far away, wherever he may be
Tell him his mother with faded cheeks and hair
At their old home is waiting him there

Oh, could I see him and fold him to my breast
Gladly I'd close my eyes and be at rest
There is no other that's left to give me joy
Bring back my boy, my wandering boy

Well, I remember the parting words he said
We'll meet again where no sad tears are shed
There'll be no goodbyes in that bright land so fair
When done with life, I'll meet you up there

Bring back my boy, my wandering boy
Far, far away, wherever he may be
Tell him his mother with faded cheeks and hair
At their old home is waiting him there