Why have my loved ones gone, 
Like the dew 'neath the early sun? 
Why am I left alone, 
While all their troubles here done? 

My days of youth have passed away 
And the shades of life are near, 
But I still remain to mourn the happy days 
When dear departed friends were here. 

Chorus: 
Why have my lov'd ones gone, 
Gone to return no more 
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea 
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore? 

Why have my lov'd ones gone, 
From the joys and the pains of life? 
Why do I still live on, 
Alone to battle in the strife? 

Alone to struggle in the fray, 
Till my earthly cares are done; 
While the young, the far have vanish'd from the day, 
Before their sorrows had begun. 

Chorus: 
Why have my lov'd ones gone, 
Gone to return no more 
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea 
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore? 

Why have my lov'd ones gone, 
While the Springtime is on the breeze? 
Gilding the hill side farm, 
And breathing music thro the trees! 

The birds are singing in the air, 
And the flow'rs are in their bloom; 
All things around are beautiful and fair, 
But still my spirit lies in gloom.

Chorus: 
Why have my lov'd ones gone, 
Gone to return no more 
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea 
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore?