Oh my, but you have a pretty face
You favor a girl that I knew
I imagine that she's still in Tennessee
And by God, I should be there too
I've a sadness too sad to be true

But I left Tennessee in a hurry, dear
The same way that I'm leavin' you
Because love is mainly just memories
And everyone's got them a few
So, when I'm gone I'll be glad to love you

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who'll be there

When I leave it'll be like I found you, love
Descending Victorian stairs
And I'm feeling like one of your photographs
Trapped while I'm putting on airs
And gettin' even by askin' "Who cares?"

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who will be there
So, have all of your passionate violins
Play a tune for a Tennessee kid
Who's feeling like leaving another town
With no place to go if he did
'Cause they'll catch you wherever you're hid

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who will be there