American Old Time Song Lyrics: 42 Why Did I Doubt

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 42

WHY DID I DOUBT?
Copyright, 1884, by Keller Brothers.
Words and Music by Keller Brothers.

A sad sweet story I will tell about a pretty maid,
Who gave to me an ocean shell and said, "Be not afraid,
Although I'm going far away 'tis not the fault of mine;
Oh, could you put your trust in rue and call me ever thine."

Chorus.
Why did I doubt? Why did we part?
Could I but have her now to soothe my aching heart;
At her approach my heart beat fast,
The parting words she gave me they will always last.

An hour before, while arm in arm, our hearts were filled with mirth,
And to her eye there was but one beloved face on earth;
I asked her if she loved me, when with doubt my heart it fell;
'Twas then she placed unknown to me a letter in the shell.

Chorus.
Why did I doubt? She was sincere,
In her true heart there dwelt a precious love so dear;
Where'er I roam 'tis sweet to tell
About the love she gave me, hidden in a shell.

My dear old mother said to me, "Why do you look so sad?
There's hidden love in that sea shell, best news you ever had."
I broke it, and, to my surprise, the one I thought untrue
Confessed her love, 'twas all for me-too late, what could I do?

Chorus.
Why did I doubt? She was sincere,
In her true heart there dwelt a precious love so dear;
Where'er I roam 'tis sweet to tell
About the love she gave me, hidden in a shell.