As time draws near, my dearest dear
When you and I must part
How little you know of the grief and woe
In my poor aching heart

'Tis but I suffer for your sake
Believe me dear it’s true
I wish that you were staying here
Or I was going with you

I wish my breasts were made of glass
Wherein you might behold
Upon my heart your name lays wrote
In letters made of gold

In letters made of gold my love
Believe me when I say
You are the one I will adore
Until my dying day

The blackest crow that ever flew
Would surely turn to white
If ever I prove false to you
Bright day would turn to night

Bright day would turn to night, my love
The elements would mourn
If ever I prove false to you
The seas will rage and burn
And when you're on some distant shore
Think of your absent friend
And when the wind blows high and clear
A line to me, pray send

And when the wind blows high and clear
Pray send your love to me
That I might know by your handwrite
How time has gone with thee

As time draws near, my dearest dear
When you and I must part