I was standing by your bedside

Where my people mother lay.

And she called me close beside her.

And these words I heard her say

I've just seen the rock of ages

There goes the ladder hanging down.

I just crossed the river of Jordan

Now, my son, I'm homeward bound

As we gathered all around

Tears began to fill my eyes

And she called me close beside her.

Whispered softly, her goodbye.

I've just seen the rock of ages

Jacob's Ladder hanging down.

I just crossed the river of Jordan.

Now, my son, I'm homeward bound.

Fine trees blowin' on the mountain

Where poor mother sleeps today.

There she'll sleep beneath the fire mountain

There she'll rest beneath the clay.

I've just seen the rock of ages

Jacob's Ladder, hangin' down.

I just crossed the river Jordan

Now my son I'm homeward bound.