THE YOUTH OF THE HEART
Words by Sydney Carter
Music by Donald Swann


When I was a young man, I hadn't a penny.
"When shall we marry?" My Molly would say.
But I was a wise man, And said to my darling:
"Love that is true love will not fade away."

CHORUS

I went to America looking for money.
I worked all the day, and I slept all alone.
The sweet silver dollars I saved for my darling,
To clothe her in satin and make her my own.

CHORUS

I came back to Ireland, my pockets a-jingle.
The wedding bells rang as I came down the street.
"Oh, where is the colleen I've come back to marry?"
I asked the first neighbour I happened to meet.

CHORUS

"Your love has grown weary of keeping her kisses,
And learning a song that will never be sung.
This morning your Molly has married another:
A penniless man with a heart that is young!"

CHORUS

So all you young lovers all ready to marry,
Remember my story, and mind what I say.
For I was a wise man, and now I am sorry:
The wisdom of winter is madness in May!

CHORUS
Oh the youth of the heart
And the dew in the morning!
You wake, and they've left you
Without any warning.

Copyright 1951 by Chappell & Co., London