THE GIRL I LOVED IN SUNNY TENNESSEE Sung by: Almeda Riddle On a morning bright and clear, To my old home I drew near-- Just a village down in sunny Tennessee. I was speeding on a train That would bring me back again To my sweetheart who was waiting there for me. It was but a few short years Since I kissed away her tears, And I left her at my dear old mother's side; And each day we've been apart, She grew dearer to my heart Than the night she promised she would be my bride. Chorus: We could hear the darkies singing As she said farewell to me. Far across the fields of cotton, My old homestead I could see. When the moon rose in its glory, Then I told life's sweetest story To the girl I loved in sunny Tennessee. As the train drew up at last, Old familiar scenes I passed, And I kissed my mother at the station door. Then, as old friends gathered 'round, Tears on every face I found, And I missed the one that I'd been longing for. And I whispered, "Mother, dear, Where is Mary? She's not here." All the world seemed lost, and sadness came to me. For she pointed to a spot In the churchyard little lot, Where my sweetheart sleeps in sunny Tennessee. (Chorus) Also found in Randolph, Vol. IV, #810. |
All Songs Recorded by John Quincy Wolf, Jr., unless otherwise noted The John Quincy Wolf Folklore Collection Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas Back to the Song Index Back to the Wolf Collection Homepage ©Copyright 2002 Lyon College |