Only Son

The only son to be born in the widow's house
He's the only son to be born in the widow's house
The only son to be born in a house so torn
The only son to be born in the widow's house

He took his name like a hammer in his head
He took his name like a hammer in his head
He took is name in his head from a dying man
He took his name like a hammer in his head
Everywhere that he would go

And he paid once for the deed
He paid twice in his hour of need
One more time for the old church-bell
And his daddy died before he opened his eyes
And his mother would never tell

Never go out there on your own
Don't you ever go out there on your own
I'm tellin' you not to go where the wild water flows
Don't you ever go out there on your own

The secret lies in a New Orleans hotel
The secret lies in a New Orleans hotel
The secret lies in a bed with the covers over his head
The secret lies in a New Orleans hotel
Where the yellow roses grow

And he paid once for the deed
He paid twice in his hour of need
One more time for the old church-bell
And his daddy died before he opened his eyes
And his mother would never tell

Someday it'll come to you
like a freight train comin' through a heavy mountain rain
You'll know what you're 'gonna do
when you see you're makin' the very same mistake

Yes, you'll pay once for the deed
You'll pay twice in your hour of need
One more time for the old church-bell
Yes, you'll pay once for the deed
You'll pay twice in your hour of need
One more time for the old church-bell
And your daddy died before you opened your eyes
And your mother would never tell
And your mother would never tell
Yes, your mother would never tell