One day a mother came to the prison
To see an erring but precious son
She told the warden how much she loved him
It did not matter what he had done

She did not bring to him a parol or pardon
She brought no silver no pomp or style
It was a halo bright sent down from heaven
The sweetest gift a mother's smile

Her boy had drifted far from the fireside
Tho she had pleaded with him each night
Yet not a word did she ever utter
And tho her heart ached her smile was bright

* Refrain

She left a smile son you can remember
She's gone to heaven from heartache free
The bars around you could never change her
You were her baby and ere will be

* Refrain