Had I Taken Mother's Warning - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Had I Taken Mother's Warning. Copyright. 1895, by T. B. Harms & Co. Words by George Cooper. Music by F. C. Andrews. 
There stood before the Judge a youth accused of crime; He thought of dear ones waiting for away; His mother's image came before him all the time, He seemed to hear the words she used to say: "My boy, be good and true, with honesty your guide; Oh, 'tis the best advice my heart can give; And when temptation's near, and you are from my side, Remember mother's warning while you live." 
Refrain. "Had I heeded mother's warning!" falls the cry, alas! too late; "All she said was for my welfare, may she never know my fate! Would my life I could live over, all her wishes I'd obey; Had I heeded mother's warning, happy would I be to-day.* 
Afar from home and friends, in misery and pain, A fair young girl was weeping bitter tears; She thought of loving ones she ne'er would see again, And oft a mother's warning words she hears: "My daughter, have me not, your mother's love is best, And you can trust her love until the last." Within that mother's arms, oh, how she longs to rest. While mournfully she's thinking of the past.-Refrain.