One night it was dark and 'twas stormy
When along came a tramp in the rain
He was making his way to the station
To catch a long distance train

I have no tobacco or matches
And I'm sure I will do you no harm
I will tell you my story kind mister
For it runs through my heart like a thorn

Chorus
May I sleep in your barn tonight, mister
It is cold lying out on the ground
And the cold north wind is a-howling
And I have no place to lie down

It was three years ago last summer
I shall never forget that sad day
When a stranger came out from the city
And said that he wanted to stay

One night as I came from my workshop
I was whistling and singing with joy
I expected a kind-hearted welcome
From my sweet loving wife and my boy

But what should I find I find but a letter
It was placed in the room on the stand
And the moment my eyes fell upon it
I picked it right up in my hand

This note said my wife and the stranger
They had left and had taken my son
I wonder if God up in Heaven
Only knows what this stranger has done