As time draws near, my dearest dear, when you and I must part How little you know of the grief and woe in my poor achin' heart It's what I suffer for your sake, you're the one I love so dear And I wish that I was goin' with you or you were stayin' here ♪ I wish my breast were made of glass wherein you might behold For there your name lies wrote, my dear, in letters made of gold In letters made of gold, my love, believe me when I say You are the one I love the best until my dyin' day ♪ The crow that is so black, my love, will surely turn to white If ever I prove false to thee, bright day may turn to night Bright day may turn to night, my love, the elements will mourn If ever I prove false to thee, the seas may rage and burn ♪ As time draws near, my dearest dear, when you and I must part How little you know of the grief and woe in my poor achin' heart