OH, mother, why do you spin and weave,
And why do you toil today?
And what do you sew in this fading light?
Come, put all your work away.
But the mother smiled, and she said: "I toil
For the babe that is sleeping there,
Tomorrow his father takes him forth,
And he must have a suit to wear."
Oh, mother, your eyes are heavy now,
Come, it is time to sleep;
Weary your fingers are, I 'm sure,
Why do you toiling keep?
But the mother smiled, and she said: "I toil
For the love of my children three,
Tomorrow their father takes them forth,
And proud of them I must be."
Ah, mother, toiling by day and night
Only God understands
The patient love of a mother's heart,
The strength of a mother's hands.
And I think tonight as I watch you sew,
Still toiling the way you do,
As you are proud of your children three,
So God must be proud of you.
