Lyrics
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Expressing a plea not to abandon or forsake the speaker, addressing a beloved ("darlin'") on their wedding day.
On this, our weddin' day
Reiterating the plea for emotional support and commitment on the day of their marriage.
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
A repetition of the plea, emphasizing the importance of not being abandoned, with a call to wait patiently.
Wait, wait along
Asking the beloved to wait patiently for the speaker.
I do not know what fate awaits me
The speaker is uncertain about the future and the challenges ahead, expressing the need to be brave.
I only know I must be brave
Emphasizing the necessity to face a person who harbors hatred towards the speaker, indicating a challenging situation.
And I must face a man who hates me
Describing the dilemma of confronting an adversary and the choice between facing them courageously or being labeled a coward.
Or lie a coward, a craven coward
Reiterating the potential shame of being considered a coward and the possibility of facing death.
Or lie a coward in my grave
Continuing the theme of potential cowardice and the consequence of lying in a grave.
Oh, to be torn 'twixt love and duty
Expressing the internal conflict between love and duty, indicating a challenging choice the speaker needs to make.
S'posin' I lose my fair-haired beauty
Pondering the loss of a beloved ("fair-haired beauty") if the speaker follows the path of duty.
Look at that big hand move along
Observing the passage of time as the speaker contemplates the impending high noon, a critical moment.
Nearin' high noon
Referring to the approaching high noon, a time of significance and potential confrontation.
He made a vow while in state prison
Recounting a vow made while in prison, suggesting a serious commitment, possibly a threat to the speaker's life.
Vowed it would be my life or his'n
Highlighting the adversary's vow, creating a sense of danger and urgency in the speaker's situation.
I'm not afraid of death but oh
Expressing a lack of fear for death but raising concern about the consequences of being abandoned.
What will I do if you leave me?
Pleading with the beloved about the emotional turmoil if they were to leave the speaker.
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Repeating the plea not to forsake the speaker, recalling a promise made during the marriage.
You made that promise as a bride
Emphasizing the commitment made by the beloved on the wedding day.
Do not forsake me, oh my darlin'
Reiterating the plea for support and commitment during a difficult time.
Although you're grievin', don't think of leavin'
Advising the beloved not to think of leaving despite grief, underscoring the critical support needed at the moment.
Now that I need you by my side
Expressing the speaker's dependency on the beloved's presence during a challenging situation.
Wait along, (wait along) wait along
Repeating the call to wait patiently, reinforcing the theme of endurance in the face of uncertainty.
Wait along, wait along
Continuing the call to wait patiently, creating a sense of anticipation and perseverance.
(Wait along, wait along, wait along, wait along)
Repeating the call to wait along, reinforcing the enduring nature of the plea.
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