[Verse 1]
Nestled in the heart of the Tennessee hills
Midst peaceful pines, midst the rocks and the rills
Stands my old homestead of long, long ago
It brings back fond memories of one I loved so

[Verse 2]
I courted a maiden so sweet and so fair
With heavenly eyes and with chestnut brown hair
She told me she loved me and said she'd be mine
But I went away leaving her there behind

[Verse 3]
I'll tell you the reason why I left her there
To roam this old world with its sorrow and cares
I saw her one night in the arms of a man
Hugging and kissing as true lovers can

[Verse 4]
I went to my home with a heart full of woe
I packed by belongings, determined to go
For many long years, this old world did I roam
With thoughts of my sweetheart, my darling, my own

[Verse 5]
While dining one day in a little country town
A stranger walked in and he chanced to sit down
While talking of loved ones I happened to find
That his sister was that old sweetheart of mine
[Verse 6]
When he heard my story to me he then said
The one you left there has a long time been dead
She waited so long for the day you'd return
But why you have left her she never did learn

[Verse 7]
Now I am the man whom you saw that fatal night
Wrapped in the arms of my sister so tight
She loved you so dearly but you broke her heart
For stranger, from her ever more you must part