D
    Kneel down by the side of your mother, my boy,
              A                D
    you have only a moment, I know.

    But stay till I give you my parting advice.
          A                     D
    it is all that I have to bestow.

      G                       D
Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,
    A                        D
wherever your footsteps may roam.
        G                        D
And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,
          A                           D
that you learned from your mother at home.

          D
    You leave us to seek your employment, my boy,
            A                        D
    by the world you have yet to be tried.

    But in the temptations and trials you meet,
               A                     D
    may your heart to the Saviour confide.

      G                       D
Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,
    A                        D
wherever your footsteps may roam.
        G                        D
And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,
          A                           D
that you learned from your mother at home.

       D
    I gave you to God in your cradle, my boy,
              A                           D
    and I've taught you the best that I knew.

    And as long as His mercies permit me to live,
             A                      D
    I shall never stop praying for you.

      G                       D
Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,
    A                        D
wherever your footsteps may roam.
        G                        D
And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,
          A                           D
that you learned from your mother at home.

               D
    You will find in your satchel, a Bible, my boy,
              A                      D
    it's the book of all others the best.

    It will help you to live and prepare you to die,
               A                       D
    and will lead to the gates of the blest .

      G                       D
Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,
    A                        D
wherever your footsteps may roam.
        G                        D
And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,
          A                           D
that you learned from your mother at home.