One day a mother went to a prison To see an erring but precious son She told the warden how much she loved him It did not matter what he had done She did not bring to him A parole or pardon (free) She brought no silver (brought no gold) No pomp nor style (longed to see) It was a halo bright Sent down from heaven's light The sweetest gift A mother's smile She left a smile you can remember She's gone to heaven from heartaches free Those walls around you could never change her You were her baby and ere will be She did not bring to him A parole or pardon (free) She brought no silver (brought no gold) No pomp nor style (longed to see) It was a halo bright Sent down from heaven's light The sweetest gift A mother's smile