American Old Time Song Lyrics: 48 Take Or Leave Me

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 48

TAKE OR LEAVE ME.
Copyright, 1895, by T. B. Harms & Co.
Words by J. Cheever Goodwin. Music by Ludwig Englaender.

With burning vows you strive in vain my heart to take by storm;
For none may hope my hand to gain who wears that uniform.
Though love within my heart be rife, its pleadings I'll withstand,
For more than lover, more than life, I love my native land.
Take or leave me, leave me, leave me;
Though it grieve me, grieve me, grieve me,
Still my heart will hide its scars;
And no man, sir-man, sir-man, sir-ever can, sir-can, sir-can, sir,
Win it till he vows allegiance to the stripes and stars.

A hapless maid, I cannot aid to fight my country's foes;
But in my soul, beyond control, a patriot's ardor glows.
The dream of love my heart has nursed, should freedom's cause demand,
Shall banished be my country first-God save my native land!
Take or leave me, leave me, leave me:
Though it grieve me, grieve me, grieve me,
Still my heart will hide its scars;
And no man, sir-man, sir-man, sir-ever can, sir-can, sir-can, sir,
Win It till he vows allegiance to the stripes and stars.