a love ballad from 1899.
words and music by Thurland Chattaway
Male barbershop quartet arrangements of popular songs like this were fashionable at the turn of the century. Arthur Collins, Albert Campbell, and Harry MacDonough helped popularize Mandy Lee with important recordings.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment:
Lyrics
- Many years ago today
Wedding bells were ringing gay
Seemed as if they sang a song of love to me
At the meeting house in town
All the folks were gathered roun’
Down the aisle I proudly walked with Mandy Lee
As we stood together there
A little sunbeam touched her hair
Just as if it loved her, too, the same as I
The the Parson bowed his head
Placed her hand in mine and said
“Love and honor one another till you die”
Chorus
Mandy Lee I loves you deed I do my Mandy Lee
Your eyes they shine like diamonds, love to me
Seems as though my heart would break
Without you Mandy Lee
‘Cause I loves you Mandy deed I do my Mandy Lee
- Tho’ the years since that glad day
Have gone by the same old way
Still your hand in mine is resting just as true
While the children round us play
And the songs they sing, so gay
Make me think of those I used to sing to you
When the time comes we must part
Oh! what sadness fills my heart
Just to think I can’t go with you, Mandy Lee
So I prays the Lord above
To watch over you my love
And to leave you here and in your place take me
Sung here by Fred Feild: