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'
  She followed me down to the yard, oh yeah
  She said my son he'd gone, he'd gone, he'd gone
  Yes he's gone in a, poorsome 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