American Old Time Song Lyrics: 19 Side By Side, The Old Folks Sleep

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 19

Side by Side, the Old Folks Sleep.
Copyright, 1887, by T. R Kelley.

I wandered to the cot.
The dear and hallow'd spot,
The home for years I'd long'd to see;
'Twas there, a happy child,
A mother's love so mild.
Made all the world so bright to me!
But, oh! 'twas sad And lone.
No smiles of welcome shone.
Where roses grew, the dark weeds creep;
And 'neath the churchyard clay,
Where once I used to play,
Side by side, the old folks sleep!

Chorus.
The daisies gently wave,
Above each lowly grave,
And thinking of the past I sadly weep!
The sod is dear to me.
Where 'neath the willow tree.
Side by side, the old folks sleep!

I saw my mother's face,
In all its gentle grace,
For still her image fills my heart;
And father kind and true,
As when we bade adieu.
His mem'ry never shall depart!
How often would they sigh,
As days have wandered by.
To see their boy across the deep;
They breath'd for him a prayer,
Then passed from earthly care.
Side by side, the old folks sleep!-Chorus.

Their weary steps grew slow,
Their locks as white as snow,
And still the cottage lamp shone bright;
To welcome back their boy,
Their darling and their joy,
Thro' every lone and dreary night.
Oh! could I but recall
The dearest love of all,
A parent's love so true and deep;
Ah! now I know its worth,
They've gone away from earth,
Side by side, the old folks sleep!-Chorus.