[Verse 1]
You said you loved me and me alone
And that you'd always be mine, my own
But someone new came and you did not
Have to remember so you forgot

[Chorus]
Oh careless darlin' how carelessly
You broke the vow that you made to me
With all my heart I believed in you
But, careless darlin' you were untrue

[Instrumental Break]
Oh, Buddy Emmons, now

[Verse 2]
Your last goodbye will forever ring
Within my ear and will heartaches bring
I kept my promise I kept my vow
But you kept nothing it's so plain now

[Chorus]
Oh careless darlin' how carelessly
You broke the vow that you made to me
With all my heart I believed in you
But, careless darlin' you were untrue
[Instrumental Break]
Oh, Billy Byrd, now

[Verse 3]
Now if tomorrow those bygone years
Those older memories should bring you tears
Think of our parting that luckless day
You carelessly threw my love away

[Chorus]
Oh careless darlin' how carelessly
You broke the vow that you made to me
With all my heart I believed in you
But, careless darlin' you were untrue