Oh, I was standing by the bedside
Where my fevered mother lay
When she called me close beside her
And I these words I heard her say

I've just seen the rock of ages
Jacob's ladder hanging down
I've just crossed the river of Jordan
Now, my son, I'm homeward bound

Oh, as we gathered all around her
Tears began to fill my eyes
Then she called me close beside her
And whispered softly her good-byes

I've just seen the rock of ages
Jacob's ladder hanging down
I've just crossed the river of Jordan
Now, my son, I'm homeward bound

Pine trees blowing on the mountain
Where poor mother sleeps today
There she'll sleep beneath the fountain
There she'll rest beneath the clay

I've just seen the rock of ages
Jacob's ladder hanging down
I've just crossed the river of Jordan
Now, my son, I'm homeward bound