When I was but a little child, how well I recollect,

How I would grieve my mother with my folly and neglect;

and now that she has gone to heaven, I miss her tender care;

O angels, tell my mother I'll be there.

Though I was often wayward, she was always kind and good;

So patient, gentle, loving, when I acted rough and rude;

May childhood's grief and trials she would gladly with me share;

O angels, tell my mother I'll be there.

When I became a prodigal and left the old rooftree,

She almost broke her loving heart in mourning after me,

And day and night she prayed to God to keep me in His care;

O angels, tell my mother I'll be there.

One day a message came to me; it bade me quickly come,

If I would see my mother ere the Savior took her home;

I promised her before she died for heaven to prepare;

O angels, tell my mother I'll be there.

Tell mother I'll be there, in answer to her prayer;

This message, guardian angels, to her bear;

Tell mother I'll be there, heaven's joys with her to share;

Yes, tell my darling mother I'll be there.