Stranger In My Home

One night it was dark and was storming

And along came a tramp in the storm

He was making his way to the station

To catch him a long distance train

Can I sleep in your barn tonight mister

For it's cold sleeping out on the ground

And I'll tell you a story kind mister

For it runs through my heart like a storm

It was three years ago last December

I will never forget that sad day

When a stranger came out from the city

And he said that he wanted to stay

My wife said she'd like to be earning

Some things to add to our home

She coaxed till I finally consented

That this stranger could stay in our home

One night coming home from my work sir

I was whistling and singing with joy

I expected a kind hearted welcome

And a kiss from my wife and my boy

But what did I find but a letter

It was placed in the room on a stand

And the moment my eyes fell upon it

I picked it right in my hand

Now the words that were written in this letter

Were enough-to drive a poor man wild

For that hard hearted stranger and Nellie

Had run off and had taken my child

Now I know there's a God up in heaven

As I've always been taught to believe

And I know that he'll give to that stranger

The dues that he aught to receive