Expert: Mel Priddle - 3/26/2007

Question
I heard an old song on a radio station about a year ago and cannot find any lyrics or title of anything, it is about a prostitute from a certain town and her son believe, it is pretty old 50/60's would be my guess, I know it is very vague any help would be appreciated. Thanks you Darcy H.

Answer
Hello Darcy,

Are you perhaps thinking of "Son Of Hickory Holler's Tramp"? There haven't been that many Country songs about prostitutes and this is the only one that I can think of that involves a son. Several singers recorded it, but it was a big hit for O.C. Smith in 1968.


Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp

The corn was dry and the weeds were high when daddy took to drinking
Him and Lucy Walker, they took up and ran away
Mama cried a tear and then she promised fourteen children
"I swear you'll never see a hungry day"

When mama sacrificed her pride the neighbors started talkin'
But I was much too young to understand the things they'd say
The thing that mattered most of all was mama's chicken dumplings
And the goodnight kiss before we went to bed

Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp

When daddy left then destitution came upon our family
Not one neighbor volunteered to lend a helping hand
So let them gossip all they want, she loved us and she raised us
The proof is standing here a full grown man

Last summer mama passed away and left the ones who loved her
Each and every one is more than grateful for their birth
Each Sunday she receives a fresh bouquet of fourteen roses
And the card that reads the greatest mom on earth

Oh the path was deep and wide from footsteps leading to our cabin
Above the door there burned a scarlet lamp
And late at night a hand would knock and there would stand a stranger
Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp

Yes, I'm the son of Hickory Holler's tramp


Glad to be of help. Cheers.......Mel.