I cannot sing the old songs I sung long years ago
For heart and voice would fail me and foolish tears would flow
For bygone hours come over my heart with each familiar strain
I cannot sing the old songs or dream those dreams again

I cannot sing the old songs, their charm is sad and deep
Their melodies would waken old sorrows from their sleep
And though all unforgotten still and sadly sweet they be
I cannot sing the old songs, they are too dear to me

I cannot sing the old songs for visions come again
Of golden dreams departed and years of weary pain
Perhaps when earthly fetters shall have set my spirit free
My voice may know the old songs for all eternity