This song was mentioned by Bob Clayton on 20-Dec-2000.

You can see the sheet music at Indiana University.


THERE'LL COME A TIME
Words and music by Charles K. Harris, ©1895.

1. "Why are you sad, Papa, my darling?
Why are those tears falling today?
Why do you look at me so strangely?
Have I done wrong? Tell me, I pray."
"No, no, my child; you are an angel.
There's not a heart purer than thine.
Yet I've a fear, someday you'll leave me.
Just as your mother did; there'll come a time."

CHORUS: "There'll come a time, some day,
When I have passed away.
There'll be no father to guide you from day to day.
Think well of all I've said.
Honor the man you wed.
Always remember my story: there'll come a time."

2. "Let me know all, Papa, my darling.
Tell me I pray, of Mother dear.
Where has she gone? Why did she leave us?
Why is her name never heard here?
I never felt her arms about me,
Nor her sweet lips prest close to mine.
I'd give my life, only to see her.
Tell me, dear Papa, will there come a time?"

3. "Some years ago—well I remember—
Your mother, child, left home one night.
She fled, alas, fled with another—
'Tis the old tale—vanished from sight.
'Twas but a year; back to the old home
She came to die, yes, baby mine.
That's why I fear, some day you'll leave me,
Just as your mother did; there'll come a time.


[Recorded by Charlie Poole's North Carolina Ramblers (1926), The Blue Sky Boys (1936), Grandpa Jones, Jim Eanes, Jolly Boys of Lafayette, Monica Grabin, Don Reno & Red Smiley.

[There are other songs with the same title.]