Cat. #0266 (MFH #579) - As sung by Fred Starr, Fayetteville, Arkansas on October 15, 1958
VERSE 1
So, at last you have come back
Since time once more has set you free
To offer once again th love
Who's early hopes were bound on thee
So you've come back to me and say,
The old, old love is living yet
You've tried thru all these weary years
You've tried, tho' vainly to forget
VERSE 2
Come close, that I may see you now
Your chessnut hair has turned to snow
But t'is th same old dear sweet face
I loved so fondly years ago
Th same that on a summer day
Bent over me and kissed my brow
O, perfect hour of trusting love
I think they are all over now
VERSE 3
O no, you must not hold my hand
God never gives us back our youth
Th love you questioned from me then
Was yours, my friend, in perfect truth
But a womans hearts are womans ways
Sent doubt and anguish to my breast
You left me and my heart is dead
No power can 'er disturb its rest
VERSE 4
Forgive, you need not speak that word
You never meant to do me wrong
God sends this anguish to my heart
To teach to me to be brave an' strong
Yet, I would that I could vanish from
My heart of false of doubt an' woe
I would to God, we ne'r had met
Or that I had not loved you so
VERSE 5
Farewell, I think I love you yet
As friends do friends, God bless you dear
And guide you thru lifes troubled way
To where th skies are always clear
Farewell, t'is with an aching heart
I turn in grief to see you go
But we are better far apart
God help us in our bitter woe