I was standing by my window yesterday morning
Without a thought a worry or of care
When I saw the postman coming down the pathway
With such a happy smile and jolly air
He rang the bell and he whistled while he waited
And then he said good morning to you Jack
But he little knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me a letter edged in black
With trembling hands I took the letter from him
I broke the seal and this is what it said
Come home my boy your poor old father wants you
Come home my boy your dear old mother's dead
Your mother's last words she ever uttered
Was tell my boy I want him to come back
Oh my eyes are blurred my poor old heart is breaking
While I'm writing you this letter edged in black
Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken
You know I did not mean them don't you Jack
May the angels bear me witness I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black
I can see the postman whistling every morning
Coming down the pathway with his pack
But he never knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me a letter edged in black