CHARLIE AND NELLIE
(Trad. arr. A. P. Carter)

Dear Nellie, since I left the city, I find I've changed my mind.
I hope you won't think me untruthful, or do me the least unkind.

I think we're both mistaken. I know you'll never suit me.
I owe my heart to another. Of course, kind friends will agree.

Please send me my ring and pictures, also my letters and books.
I close with many kind wishes. Respectfully yours, Charlie Brooks.

I heard all about it, dear Charlie. I knew it would end this way.
I hope you will always live happy with your loving little wife, Miss Grey.

Now here's your ring, dear Charlie. Don't give it to her, I pray,
Unless you tell her 'twas once mine. I wore it one year today.

One year today, dear Charlie, so happy were we both.
You vowed you'd never forsake me, but I find you untrue to your oath.

Here's your picture, dear Charlie, it's almost faded away,
Because I kissed it so often, and this you can tell Miss Grey.

As far as your letters, dear Charlie, I burned them as they came.
I feared my reading them over would cause our love to enflame.

I must say goodbye, dear Charlie. My letter is near an end.
Remember I'm always and always forever and ever your friend.
---
As recorded by the Carter Family, Decca 5702, 1938.
@country @farewell @infidelity @letter JTD ^^