He Lived Alone in Town

He lived alone in town

His friends were many and true

He drank and took the easy love

Of street girls that he knew

And he met a girl one day

Said "come home with me tonight"

"Oh no!" she cried "I never will."

And she left him there alone

And the days went by, and days

Went by and they did long

For each other every hour

But still she'd not be bound

"In the places of young men

I never will be found

But think you not that I don't love

For my heart is ripe and full"

"How cold you are!" he said

"I guess you must not care

For me. But tell me,

Where it is you'd go

For I'd take you anywhere"

"Then come to a forest green

Where I may love you free

Beyond the confines of your walls

And beyond the sweetest words"

"And beyond the mountains high

Beyond the fields of shame

And beyond the prettiest wedding ring

For I'd never take your name"

"And wander with me now

Or wander all forlorn

But know I love you, tearful one,

Much more than I can show"

He could not understand

He thought she could not care

"Oh, take me far away," she'd cried

And he could not hear her prayer

And he wandered off alone

To never know her dream

And she still dwells within the forest

Longing for his love

"So, wander with me now

Or wander off alone

But know I love you, tearful one,

Much more than I can show"