American Old Time Song Lyrics: 43 Tom And His Sweetheart So True The False I'mprisonment
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 43
Tom and His Sweetheart So True(The False Imprisonment)
Copyright, 1894, by The S. Brainard's Sons Co.
Words and Music by Thos. F. Morrissey.
Away to prison Tom was led, a convict doomed for years:
The sentence that the judge had passed must cause a flood of tears.
Beside him stood his sweetheart dear, with grief she near went mad;
And when they tore him from her side the scene was very sad.
"Don't take him, sir," she vainly cried, "I know my heart will break;
If sent to prison, I'll go too, my life for him I'd stake."
"Your time is short," the jailor said, "to prison you must go."
She kissed him, then gave him a ring and whispered to him low:
Chorus.
"Always trust in me, dear Tom, there's none I love but you;
Bear your burden like a man, I know your heart is true.
The best of friends at times must part, so promise me, now do,
You'll save the little keepsake that your sweetheart gave to you."
Within the prison walls he toiled from morning until night,
He longed to have his freedom, as he labored main and might;
He braved the battle onward, while he hoped for brighter days;
His courage never fails him, though the bitter part he plays.
There's one who ne'er forgot him, though the world at him should frown;
She fought the battle bravely, although nearly broken down.
Each day she came to cheer him, at his cell she'd kneel and pray,
And when she bade farewell to him, Tom heard his sweetheart say:- Chorus.
With trusting heart she sought release for him from day to day;
"He's innocent, I know," she cried, "must he in prison stay?
O God, may justice soon be done," she pled with heart-felt pain;
"There never was a man more true, his conscience has no stain."
His innocence at last was prov'n, which gave him liberty,
And joyous were the scenes that day when Tom again was free;
She lovingly beside him stood on this, their wedding day,
And as they passed the prison gate, Tom heard his sweetheart say.-Chorus.