Mabel You Have Been a Friend to Me - Tom T. Hall

I appreciate the coffee that you’ve made

I appreciate the shelter of your roof

I’ll pay you back someday for all your kindness

And all the other liberties I took

Although I cannot say that I have loved you

I won’t forget how good it was to be

Among the people you call little darling

Mabel you have been a friend to me

Mabel you have been a friend to me

And somewhere down the line I’ll drink a toast

To the lady who encouraged me to try

And you took me in when I was down and broke

I hope that life holds many thrills for you

And there are great big apples on your tree

I’m sorry that I could’t give you more than thanks

Mabel you have been a friend to me

If you hear that I’m somewhere and I’m doin' well

Don’t you fail to stop and see me if you can

Oh you know that if you ever need a pal

I’ll sure be there to lend you a helping hand

If fortune treats me good and if I make it

I’ll remember where I rest my wandering feet

That you made part of the bitter journey sweeter

Mabel you have been a friend to me