Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
         Eb/Bb                Bb
Like the dew ’neath the early sun?

Why am I left alone,
      F7                      Bb
While all their troubles here done?
   F7                         Bb
My days of youth have passed away
        Eb/Bb              Bb
And the shades of life are near,
                      Eb              Bb
But I still remain to mourn the happy days
      F7                         Bb
Where dear departed friends were here.

[Chorus]
Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
Eb                Bb
Gone to return no more
               Eb            Bb
Calmly gliding o’er a Summer sea
       F7                       Bb
Whilst I’m left plodding on the shore?

[Verse 2]
Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
         Eb/Bb                Bb                         
From the joys and pains of life?

Why do I still live on,
 F7                    Bb
Alone to battle in the strife?
 F7                      Bb
Alone to struggle in the fray,
        Eb/Bb              Bb
Till my earthly cares are done;
          Eb                   Bb
While the young, the fair have vanish’d from the day,
  F7                       Bb
Before their sorrows had begun.

[Chorus]
Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
Eb                Bb
Gone to return no more
               Eb            Bb
Calmly gliding o’er a Summer sea
       F7                       Bb
Whilst I’m left plodding on the shore?

[Verse 3]
Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
          Eb/Bb                Bb        
While the Springtime is on the breeze?

Gliding the hill side farm,
    F7                        Bb
And breathing music thro’ the trees!
    F7                Bb
The birds are singing in the air,
        Eb/Bb                Bb
And the flow’rs are in their bloom;
    Eb                Bb
All things around are beautiful and fair
    F7                      Bb
But still my spirit lies in gloom.

[Chorus]
Bb
Why have my lov’d ones gone,
Eb                Bb
Gone to return no more
               Eb            Bb
Calmly gliding o’er a Summer sea
       F7                       Bb
Whilst I’m left plodding on the shore?