I Cannot Be Your Sweetheart, also known as "Under the Pale Moonlight," is a song written in 1899 by Abbie Ford, who wrote mainly ragtime style music. The song has entered tradition and has been found in several folk song collections.

I CANNOT BE YOUR SWEETHEART Carter Family 1934

Last night I told my heart's love
All under the pale blue sky
Eagerly waiting an answer
I plainly could see in her eye
I love you, sweetheart, I love you
And ask you to be my bride
Her face turned pale and she trembled
And sadly to me replied

    I cannot be your sweetheart
    I cannot stay by your side
    There's one who's waiting off yonder
    Who's claiming me his bride
    My heart is almost broken
    Your vows only add to my pain
    I love you, sweetheart, I love you
    Though we may never meet again

We said goodbye in the moonlight
My heart was turned to a stone
One peaceful hour I was made happy
But now I am sad and lone
Amidst my sorrows forever
Though she may go far away
Wherever she goes I'll love her
And still I can hear her say

    I cannot be your sweetheart
    I cannot stay by your side
    There's one who's waiting off yonder
    Who's claiming me his bride
    My heart is almost broken
    Your vows only add to my pain
    I love you, sweetheart, I love you
    Though we may never meet again