1 Away from home and lov’d ones dear, behold a wand’rer strays,
He does not see the falling tear of her who for him prays,
He does not hear the weary sigh, that heaves a mother’s breast,
He does not see her face grow pale, by sorrow and unrest.

Refrain:
Oh! where is my boy tonight,
Oh! where is my boy tonight,
Away from home and loved ones dear,
Oh! where is my boy tonight?

2 The downward course the heedless youth, is going day by day,
And dangers thick his path beset, oh, mothers, for him pray,
And He who hears the raven’s cry, will lead your wand’rer home,
And tho’ you see him here no more, you’ll meet in heav’n’s bright dome. [Refrain]

3 Alas disease its cruel hand upon the wand’rer alys;
She cannot soothe his aching head, yet still she for him prays,
Oh, mother, now that humble pray’r, ascends the throne of God;
Tho’ you must suffer here below, and feel the chast’ning rod. [Refrain]

4 Oh, mother, now that long lost boy, must cross the chilly wave;
And God has heard thy fervent pray’r, and He will surely save,
Tho’ here on earth thy darling boy, can come to you no more,
But thro’ the pray’rs, he found a home, on Canaan’s peaceful shore. [Refrain]