Too Late- Flora Lassiter c. 1890s
[This is probably based on a 19th century parlor song. It's usually titled "Too Late You've Come Back To Me" and was first recorded as "Too Late, Too Late" by Holland Puckett in 1928. The Carter Family version was titled "Lover's Return."
R. Matteson 2014]
TOO LATE
[music]
(Like a number of other songs in this collection, the above melody and the accompanying words may either or both be the work of some well-known author and composer. It is not claimed, that either is definitely known to be a folk-song. The only claim made is that the tune was orally transmitted, and the words were written from memory in other words, the entire song was a traditional song as learned by Mrs. L. L. McDowell near the close of the last century.)
TOO LATE
So you've come back to her you say,
The old, old love is growing yet;
You've tried through all these weary years ;
You've tried, though vainly, to forget.
So you've come back to me once more,
Since time at last has set you free,
And offer me again the heart
Whose fondest hopes were bound in me.
Come close and let me see your face,
Those raven locks are touched with snow,
But still it is the sane sweet face
I loved so fondly years ago
The same that on a summer's day
8ent, o'er and kissed me on the brow:
Oh happy hour of trusting you!
Ah well! That is all over now!
No , no, you cannot take my hand;
God never gives us back our youth,
Tho love and faith you questioned then
Were yours, dear friend, in perfect truth
But, woman's will and woman's tongue
Brought, doubt and anguish to your breast;
You left me; and my heart is dead;
Your love can never disturb its rest.
Forgive? You must not speak the word,
You never want to do me wrong;
God sent this anguish to my soul
To teach me to be brave and strong.
Farewell! I think I love you yet,
As friend loves friend, God bless you dear,
And lead you through this gloomy world
To where the skies are always clear.
(Remembered by Mrs.L.L.McDowell from her youth. )