There hung pictures of youth and of beauty
Of old age and a blushing young bride
They all hung on the wall but the saddest of all
Are the pictures from life's other side
There's a poor old mother at home
She's watching and waiting alone
Just longing to hear from a loved one so dear
Just a picture from life's other side
It's his last earthly treasure but he stakes it
And bows his head that his shame he might hide
But when they lifted his head the gambler was dead
That's just a picture from life's other side
Now the last scene is that by the river
Of a heartbroken mother and babe
The harbor lights shine and they shiver
On an outcast, that no one will save
I know she was once a true woman
Somebody's darling and pride
God help her if she leaps, for there's no one to weep
It's just a picture from life's other side