Forsaken Love
[This traditional love song has been recorded under a number of titles (I love You Nellie/By the Old Garden Gate). This version appears to be based on the Carter Family 1928 version, which is titled, Forsaken Love.
R. Matteson 2014]
FORSAKEN LOVE
They stood in the moonlight near by the gate
Goodbye, my darling, I know you'll wait.
She ceased weeping and smiled through the tears
Saying, "I've been true, love, through these long years."
CHORUS:
I've loved you always, yes, I've been true,
My heart shall never be loving for you.
Oh, darling, believe me, far over the sea,
Through life or death, so faithful I'll be.
'Twas on the morrow at the break of day,
He was to journey far, far away.
He held her closer, his promised bride
And to her question these words did reply: CHORUS
One year passed by, his[1] coming home
His pilgrimage over, no longer to roam
And smiling, he thinks of her shining eyes
Shining with welcome, made glad by surprise. CHORUS
A dainty letter he's taken from his breast
To which his extended lips were pressed.
And reading once more by the warning[2] light
These words he had spoken to her that night: CHORUS
Once more he seeks me o'er garden gate
But at last, a letter too late
The wedding is over, the knot is tied,
He finds his darling another's bride: CHORUS
And later they found him there on the grass
A pistol nearby, to tell what had passed
She[3] finds a letter, explains the deed
And in the pale moonlight these words did read: CHORUS
1. he's
2. warming
3. He