Well I gave you to God in your cradle my boy

And I've taught you the best that I knew

And as long as his mercies permit me to live

And I shall never cease praying for you

Hold fast to the right hold fast to the right

Wherever your footsteps may roam

Oh forsake not the way of a salvation my boy

That you learn'd from your mother at home

Well you leave us to seek your employment my boy

By the world you have yet to be tried

But in the temptations and trials you meet my boy

May your heart to the Savior confide

Hold fast to the right hold fast to the right

Wherever your footsteps may roam

Oh forsake not the way of a salvation my boy

That you learn'd from your mother at home

You will find in your satchel a Bible my boy

It's the book of all others the best

It will help you to levee and prepare you to die

And will lead you to the gates of the blest

Hold fast to the right hold fast to the right

Wherever your footsteps may roam

Oh forsake not the way of a salvation my boy

That you learn'd from your mother at home