American Old Time Song Lyrics: 40 Love Comes But Once
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 40
LOVE COMES BUT ONCE.
Copyright. 1893, by Frank Harding.
Words by W. J. O'Leary. Music by M. J. Savage.
Sweet village bells chimed vesper hour,
The sun sunk down to rest,
The birds' good night in leafy bow'r
Called loved ones home to nest.
Their song was glad, my heart was sad,
I paused to hear the strain;
Oh, none may sing but happy hearts,
I'll ne'er be so again.
Chorus.
Love comes but once, and it lives for a life,
Or it dies like the first bud of spring;
To our hearts it is morn while its presence remains,
When flown 'tis the saddest thing.
Bright was the day he parted here
From me, his promised bride;
"I go; may God defend the right
And my country win!" he cried.
Ah, me! my brave, your ocean grave,
Lies chill o'er your hero heart;
O sad, sad sea shall e'er it be?
Well meet no more to part.- Chorus.
O hallowed spot of lonely earth,
O sanctuary dear!
Give back to me the joys I knew
With my sailor laddie here.
When hearts beat high 'tis sad to die.
To feel love's thrill no more;
To watch and wait's the only fate
That closes this life o'er.- Chorus.