My momma told me "son Don't ever go that way" My papa told me "son Don't ever go astray" And the people gathered round To help me on my way And I almost shed a tear For the home I'd never see again It was a rough day My momma told me "son You'll grow so big and strong" My papa told me "son You'll tell them right from wrong" And my family gathered round To help me pack my shell And my little brother cried Lonely little snail It was a rough day It's a big old world It's a big wide world The grass is so high, it's so high It's a big old world It's a big wide world The grass is so high, it's so high And the people gathered round To help me on my way And I almost shed a tear For the home I'd never see again And my family gathered round To help me pack my shell And my little brother cried Lonely little snail It was a rough day