American Old Time Song Lyrics: 46 Loved Ones

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 46

LOVED ONES.
Copyright, 1895, by Widmer-Stigler Music Pub. Co.
Words and Music by Thos. W. Hindley.

In a mansion bright with splendor, filled with all that wealth could buy,
Lay a youth so frail and slender, faintly breathing his lsst sigh;
O'er his bed, the father bending, watched as life ebbed fast away;
Earnest prayers to heaven's throne sending striving death's cold grasp to stay.
All in vain; nor wealth nor station can restore the failing breath;
E'en the lads of every nation must obey the call of death.

Refrain.
Loved ones, loved ones, how hard 'tis to part from our loved onea;
Nearest, dearest, shall we not meet them once more?
Never to sever tree that must bind us forever;
Loved ones, loved ones, those who have gone before.

Home from toil, foot-sore and weary, an humble peasant, worn with care,
Comes to find it chill and dreary, and his dear child dying there.
"Ah, 'tis papa!" cries the baby: "I'm so glad that he is here:
I can kiss him good-bye, maybe!" down his face there steals a tear.
"Cheer up, loved one, do not grieve you! "and to smile the father tried.
"Kiss me, daddy, I must leave you, mother's calling me," he cried.-Refrain.

Upon the field of battle, bleeding, gasping, dying,
See a soldier struck down, faint and wounded sore;
'Mid brazen trumpets' blare and banners flying,
Passing swiftly to the golden shore.
"Tell my wife, he murmured, softly sighing,
"We shall meet again, to part no more!"

Refrain.
Loved ones, loved ones, how hard 'tis to part from our loved ones;
Nearest, dearest, shall we not meet them once more?
Never to sever ties that must bind us forever;
Loved ones, loved ones, never to part again.