Stephen Foster’s Last Waltz

Dear friends and gentle hearts

I’m sorry we must part

The hour has come and gone

All mirth and beauty done

The world has turned so shrill

And now my songs lie still

Where once they shone their light

In houses merry and bright

Oh, Susannah, my Nellie dear

Still I can hear your laughter so clear

Oh, my Jean with the light brown hair

Your step’s on my stair

Dear friends and gentle hearts 

Dear shadows in the dark

Who linger round my door

We’ll meet again no more

Dear hearts and gentle friends

The world was in my hands

But now those days just seem 

A beautiful, beautiful dream