I still can hear the old folks as they talk into the night
I was chasing fireflies, attracted by the light
Cornbread in the oven and chicken on to fry
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
Sleepy town in Texas on the Denton country line
Living there was easy when you're growing into nine
Minnow by the buckets and catfish on the line
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
Ride me down easy, boys, ride me down slow
Ride me down easy but roll back the stone
Hot summer days, watermelon nights
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
Every Sunday morning, hear the brimstone and the fire
Daddy in the pulpit and Mama in the choir
County fairs and picnics and that big ol' Texas sky
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
Twenty years, a thousand tears, and lots of dusty miles
Often find me smiling those old forgotten smiles
Memories that just won't fade, sweethearts left behind
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
Ride me down easy, boys, ride me down slow
Ride me down easy but roll back the stone
Hot summer days, watermelon nights
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye
And time passing softly in the old bye and bye