Hold fast to the right       (Listen to original song)

 

                D

1. Kneel down by the side of your mother, my boy,

                     A                           D

    you have only a moment, I know.

 

    But stay till I give you my parting advice.

           A                              D

    it is all that I have to bestow.

 

          G                              D

Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,

        A                                       D

wherever your footsteps may roam.

              G                                    D

And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,

               A                                            D

that you learned from your mother at home.

 

             D

2. You leave us to seek your employment, my boy,

                 A                                     D

    by the world you have yet to be tried.

 

    But in the temptations and trials you meet,

                       A                                 D

    may your heart to the Saviour confide.  

 

+ CHORUS

 

        D                                     

3. I gave you to God in your cradle, my boy,

                   A                                        D

    and I've taught you the best that I knew.

 

    And as long as His mercies permit me to live,

                A                                  D

    I shall never stop praying for you.  

 

+ CHORUS

 

 

 

 

 

 

                   D

4. You will find in your satchel, a Bible, my boy,

                  A                               D

    it's the book of all others the best.

 

    It will help you to live and prepare you to die,

                   A                                   D

    and will lead to the gates of the blest .

 

          G                              D

Hold fast to the right, hold fast to the right,

        A                                       D

wherever your footsteps may roam.

              G                                    D

And forsake not the way of a salvation, my boy,

               A                                            D

that you learned from your mother at home.

 

                  Recorded 6/17/37 - New York, NY

 

    (The Carter Family)