A poignant, highly sentimental 1905 song about a lost love. The verse melody was composed by the lyricist at a later date.
words by Harry H. Williams
music by Egbert Van Alstyne
The sheet music:
Accompaniment track:
Lyrics
- The oriole with joy was sweetly singing
The little brook was babbling it’s tune
The village bells at noon were gaily ringing
The world seemed brighter than a harvest moon
For there within my arms I gently pressed you
And blushing red, you slowly turned away
I can’t forget the way I once caressed you
I only pray we’ll meet another day
Chorus
In the shade of the old apple tree
Where the love in your eyes I could see
When the voice that I heard, like the song of the bird
Seemed to whisper sweet music to me
I could hear the dull buzz of the bee
In the blossoms as you said to me
With a heart that is true, I’ll be waiting for you
In the shade of the old apple tree
- I’ve really come a long way from the city
And though my heart is breaking I’ll be brave
I’ve brought this bunch of flowers, I think they’re pretty
To place upon a freshly moulded grave
“If you will show me, Father, where she’s lying
Or if it’s far just point it out to me”
Said he, “She told us all when she was dying
To bury her beneath the apple tree”
Sung here by Fred Feild: