Esther Safer, mother of my wife, Jeanne Safer, was buried yesterday. She was 92 and a half very lively years old.

I think of the song of Rev. Gary Davis.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Motherless children don’t know where to go,

They wander around from door to door.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Some people say your sister will do when your mother is dead.

Some people say your sister will do when your mother is dead.

Some people say your sister will do,

But as soon as she’s married she’ll turn her back on you,

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Your Daddy will do the best he can when your mother is dead.

Your Daddy will do the best he can when your mother is dead.

Your Daddy will do the best he can,

Some things your Daddy doesn’t understand.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Your wife, your children will be good to you when your mother is dead.

Your wife, your children will be good to you when your mother is dead.

Your wife, your children will be good to you,

But nobody loves you like your mother do.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Dig my grave with a bloody spade when my mother is dead.

Dig my grave with a bloody spade when my mother is dead.

Dig my grave with a bloody spade,

Just be sure that the digger gets paid.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.

Jesus will be a mother to you when your mother is dead.

Jesus will be a mother to you when your mother is dead.

Jesus will be a mother to you,

Through trials and tribulations he will see you through.

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is dead.