[Verse 1]
They stood in the moonlight out there by the gate
"Goodbye, little darling, I know you will wait"
She ceased her weeping and smiled through her tears
Saying, "I'll be true, love, for all these long years"

[Chorus]
I've loved you always, oh yes, I've been true
My heart won't ever cease longing for you
Believe me, little darling, o'er land or sea
Through life or death, so faithful I'll be

[Verse 2]
One year had passed by, and returning home
His pilgrimage over, no never to roam
He once again seeks the old garden gate
But he seeks, alas, alas, it's too late
The wedding is over, the knot has been tied
He finds his darling another man's bride

[Chorus]
I've loved you always, oh yes, I've been true
My heart won't ever cease longing for you
Believe me, little darling, o'er land or sea
Through life or death, so faithful I'll be
[Interlude]

[Verse 4]
Next morning, they found him laying there in the grass
A pistol nearby, it told what had passed
A prompting letter that told of the deed
And in the pale moonlight, these words you could read

[Chorus]
I've loved you always, oh yes, I've been true
My heart won't ever cease longing for you
Believe me, little darling, o'er land or sea
Through life or death, so faithful I'll be