Banks of the Wabash

'Round my Indiana homesteads wave the cornfields

In the distance loom the woodlands clear and cool

Oftentimes my thoughts revert to scenes of childhood

Where I first received my lessons, nature's school

But one thing there is missing in the picture

Without her face it seems so incomplete

I long to see my mother in the doorway

As she stood there years ago, her boy to greet

[Chorus]

Oh, the moonlight's fair tonight along the Wabash

From the fields there comes the breath of new mown hay

Through the sycamores the candle lights are gleaming

On the banks of the Wabash, far away

Many years have passed since I strolled by the river

Arm in arm, with sweetheart Mary by my side

It was there I tried to tell her that I loved her

It was there I begged of her to be my bride

Long years have passed since I strolled thro' there churchyard

She's sleeping there, my angel, Mary dear

I loved her, but she thought I didn't mean it

Still I'd give my future were she only here