Darling Little Joe

What will the birds do mother in the spring

The little brown birds around the door

Will they fly from the trees and tap at my window

Wondering why Joe wanders out no more

What will the kitten do mother all alone 

Will it stop from its frolic for a day

Will it lie on its rug by the side of my bed

As it did before I went away

Keep Tyke dearest mother my poor little dog

For I know that he'll miss me too

Keep him when old and useless he grows

Sleeping all the long summer through

Show him my coat mother so he'll not forget

Little master who will then be dead

Speak often and kindly of little Joe

And pat him on his curly head

What will Thomas the old gardener say

When you ask him for a flower for me

Will he give you a rose he has tended with care

The first fairest bloom of the tree

And you dearest mother will miss me for a while

Though in heaven I'll no larger grow

Any kind angel will tell you at the gate

When you ask for your darling little Joe

Recorded  5/8/34 Camden, NJ
                  6/8/38 - Charlotte, NC