Why Does Mother Stay So Long - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Why Does Mother Stay So Long? Copyright, 1879, by White, Smith & Co. Words by Geo. Cooper. Music by C. A. White. 
Father, you are sadly weeping, let me climb upon your knee; Brother Will is gently sleeping. Tell me where can mother be? All the day so sad and weary, I have sung my little song; Now the night has come so dreary, why does mother stay so long? 
Chorus. Tell me, kind and gentle father, while the evening shadows throng, Why is all the house so lonely, why does mother stay so long? 
Yesternight they called us sadly where she lay so calm and still, Then she kissed us, oh, so gladly, me and darling brother Will. Now we see your tears of sorrow, hushed is every childish song; Father, will she come to-morrow? Why does mother stay so long?- Chorus. 
Fold me gently to your bosom, tell me, father, why you weep; Call me once again your blossom; kiss me, now I'll go to sleep. Shall we nevermore to mother sing our little good-night songs? Oh, 'tis sad for me and brother-why does mother stay so long?- Chorus.