Grand Knowing You

[KODALY]
It's been grand knowing you
Grand knowing you
Grand being your friend

You've been kind, loyal, and so generous
Right down to the end
Please don't grieve watching me leave
That would be much too painful to stand

It's been fun, now I must run
But it's been grand
Perfectly grand

Ilona, farewell cherie, be brave
Chin up, it's been sublime
You mustn't waste a precious moment over me
You don't have time
Just remember when you're lonely or blue
There's a hollow in my pillow for you

And Sipos, what can I say?
Ah, Sipos
No tears, be gay, you know
Old friend, I'm in your debt
I owe you more than I can possibly repay
I won't forget
Give your wife a little kiss from Kodaly
I never met her, but I will, by and by

Though I hate leaving you
Hate leaving your warm intimate club
It's a small pleasure but I'll treasure
Each warm intimate snub
It's been grand, let me say
And let me say "Au revoir", not goodbye
For it's grand knowing you'll all be working
For your friend
Kodaly