Standing in the moonlight by the old garden gate
Nellie, my darlin', I know you will wait
Wait for me, dearest, he said in tears
Then I'll be your sweetheart through all the long years
I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true
All these long years have been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday
Early next morning at the break of day
He was to journey so far away
Drawing her nearer, his promised bride
By the pale moonlight these words he replied
I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true
All these long years have been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday
Nellie my darling, I'm coming home
The pilgramage over, no longer to roam
But the wedding was over, the knot had been tied
And he found his own sweetheart another man's bride.
Later they found him lying cold on the grass
A pistol beside him held so hard and fast
Then came the note that explained the deed
And in the pale moonlight these words you could read
I love you, Nellie, yes I've been true
All of my life has been just for you
And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away
I'll not forget you, though I fade fast away.