Emma Rose

[Verse 1]
When Emma Rose was ten years old
Her father passed away
She cried to think he'd never see her
On her wedding day

[Verse 2]
And then her mother sickened
And left her on her own
Saying "Emma Rose, it grieves me
To leave you so alone"

[Chorus]
How long, how long
Will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long
Must I keep the candles burning?

[Verse 3]
When Emma Rose was sixteen years
She was courted and wed
By Danny Jay, the neighbor boy
"A fine young man," they said

[Verse 4]
And in the flowering of their love
Emma had a son
And Danny left one morning
Before the rising of the sun

[Chorus]
How long, how long
Will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long
Must I keep the candles burning?

[Verse 5]
The years went by, and Emma Rose
Grew bitter in her grief
Of all the men that came and went
None gave her any peace

[Verse 6]
And even age could not erase
The beauty in her face
But Emma Rose had eyes for one
Who left without a trace

[Chorus]
Tell me, how long, how long
Will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long
Must I keep the candles burning?

[Verse 7]
Emma lives alone now
The child is grown and gone
Some say they see her now and then
On the days she goes to town

[Verse 8]
And if you're travelin' north
There's a mailbox on the road
And all it says is "Emma Rose"
In letters faint and old

[Chorus]
How long, how long
Will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long
Must I keep the candles burning?