This sheet music can be seen at the website of Mississippi State University. Only a few words are different from the lyrics posted on 20 Aug 2000. In the case of “favor/favour,” only the spelling has changed, no doubt because this copy comes from a British publisher.


LAY MY HEAD BENEATH A ROSE
Words, W. Madison; music, G. Falkenstein
“Copyright 1908 by G. Falkenstein; copyright transferred 1926 to Villa Morét, Inc., Pantages Building, San Francisco”
Published by Francis, Day & Hunter Ltd., 138-140 Charing Cross Road, London, W.C.2.

1. Darling, press me to your bosom as you did in days of yore.
Press your lips upon my forehead ere I reach that golden shore.
Life is from me swiftly fading. Soon I'll be in sweet repose.
When I'm gone I ask this favour: lay my head beneath a rose.

CHORUS: Lay me where sweet flowers blossom, where the dainty lily grows.
Where the pinks and violets mingle, lay my head beneath a rose.

2. Darling, first you said you loved me when you gave your hand and heart.
There were roses on your cheeks, love, and we vowed we ne'er would part.
One more kiss for I am going far beyond all earthly woes.
Let my grave be like your cheeks, love, covered with a blossom rose.

3. He has crossed the shadowed valley, where the living water flows.
Love has heard his last fond pleading, and he sleeps in sweet repose.
'Neath a grassy mound he's resting where the golden sunset glows.
Love has answered all his pleading and he sleeps beneath the rose.