1 Nobody knows of the work it makes
To keep the home together,
Nobody knows of the steps it takes,
Nobody knows but mother;
Nobody listens to the childish woes,
Which kisses only smother,
Nobody’s pain’d by the mighty blow,
Nobody,—only mother.

2 Nobody knows of the sleepless care
Bestowed on baby brother,
Nobody knows of the tender pray’r,
Nobody knows but mother;
Nobody knows of the lessons taught,
Of loving one another;
Nobody knows of the patience sought,
Nobody,—only mother.

3 Nobody knows of the anxious fears,
Lest darlings may not weather,
Storms of this life in the coming years,
Nobody knows but mother;
Nobody knows of the tears that start,
The grief she gladly smother,
Nobody knows of the breaking heart,
Nobody,—only mother.

4 Nobody clings to the wayward child,
Tho’ scorn’d by ev’ry other,
Leads it so gently from pathways wild,
Nobody can but mother;
Nobody knows of the hourly pray’r,
For him, our erring brother,
Pride of hear heart, once so pure and fair,
Nobody,—only mother.