American Old Time Song Lyrics: 47 Just Sixteen

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 47

JUST SIXTEEN.
Copyright, 1895, by A. Scull & Co.
Words by Samuel M. Peck. Music by A. Scull.

The starlight, through the lattice vine, fell slanting on her brow.
The roses white, with dew a-shine, swayed on the wind-rock bough.
And waved a perfume quaint and fine, like incense 'round her mouth,
Where dwelt, 'mid curve and hue divine, the glamour of the south.

Refrain.
Just sixteen years of joys and fears, just sixteen years hath she;
Her eyes are blue, her heart is true, she's all the world to me.

The rose tree hid the stars from me, but I could watch her eyes:
They shone like stars upon the sea, soft-mirror'd from the skies;
Her little hands upon her knees, in folded stillness lay,
And the dusk gloomed winsomely, like lily buds astray.

Refrain.
Just sixteen years of joys and fears, just sixteen years hath she;
Her faith is sure, her soul is pure, she's all the world to me.

A silence fell, it seemed a spell had fallen on my sweet:
I saw her quiv'ring bosom swell, I heard my heart a-heat;
I spoke, but what I cannot tell, I hardly know the rest.
But just before her teardrops fell, I clasped her to my breast.

Refrain.
Just sixteen years of smiles and tears, just sixteen years hath ahe;
The wedding chimes will ring betimes, for my bride she will be.