1 Often in my mind I wander to my younger days,
When I'd roam the hills and valleys in my childhood plays;
But I always would remember Mother's last remark,
She had made as I was leaving, "You be home before dark!"

Refrain:
I'll be home before the darkness falls in this troubled land,
I'll be meeting with the ones I love on the golden strand;
When the supper table has been set, before they start,
I'll be safely in my Father's house; I'll be home before dark.

2 There's a night that's surely coming to this world below,
There has never been such trouble, suff'ring , pain and woe;
But before the night has fallen, brother, we'll be gone,
For the Lord will call the children to His heavenly home. [Refrain]

3 Should the Lord delay His coming to this earth again,
I may go by death to glory, heaven's grand domain.
But there won't be any darkness when I shall embark,
Thru the valley of the shadow, I'll be home before dark. [Refrain]