The Letter Edged In Black

I was standin' by my window yesterday mornin'
Without a thought of worry or regret
When I saw the postman comin' down the pathway
He was bringin' me a letter edged in black

Well he rang the bell and whistled while he waited
Then he said; "Good mornin' to you, Jack"
But he never knew the sorrow that he brought me
When he handed me that letter edged in black

With trembling hand I took the letter from him
I broke the seal and this is what it said
"Come home, my boy, your dear old father wants you
Come home, my boy, your dear old mother's dead"

"The last words that your mother ever uttered
Were, "Tell my boy I want him to come back"
My eyes are dimmed, my poor old heart is breaking
And I'm writing you this letter edged in black"

I bowed my head in sorrow and in silence
The sunshine of my life, it all had fled
When the postman brought that letter yesterday mornin'
Saying "Come home, my boy, your poor old mother's dead"

"Those angry words I wish I'd never spoken
You know I never meant them, don't you, Jack?
May the angels bear me witness, I am asking
Your forgiveness in this letter edged in black"