El Dorado, 1851

I've just been down ter Thompson's, boys, 'N feelin' kind o' blue, I thought I'd look in at "The Ranch," Ter find out what wuz new; When I seed this sign a-hangin' On a shanty by the lake: "Here's whar yer get your doughnuts Like yer mother used ter make."

I've seen a grizzly show his teeth, I've seen Kentucky Pete Draw out his shooter, 'n advise A "tenderfoot" ter treat; But nuthin' ever tuk me down, 'N made my benders shake, Like that sign about the doughnuts That my mother used ter make.

A sort o' mist shut out the ranch, 'N standin' thar instead, I seen an old, white farm-house, With its doors all painted red. A whiff came through the open door— Wuz I sleepin' or awake? The smell wuz that of doughnuts Like my mother used ter make.

The bees wuz hummin' round the porch Whar honeysuckles grew; A yellow dish of apple-sass Wuz settin' thar in view. 'N on the table, by the stove, An old-time "Johnny-cake," 'N a platter full of doughnuts Like my mother used ter make.

A patient form I seemed ter see, In tidy dress of black, I almost thought I heard the words, "When will my boy come back?" 'N then—the old sign creaked: But now it was the boss who spake: 'Here's whar yer gets yer doughnuts Like yer mother used ter make.

Well, boys, that kind o' broke me up, 'N ez I've "struck pay gravel," I ruther think I'll pack my kit, Vamoose the ranch, 'n travel. I'll make the old folks jubilant, 'N if I don't mistake, I'll try some o' them doughnuts Like my mother used ter make.