Getting a handle on the exact age of this song is difficult, because many of the oldest examples of sheet music are printed without a date. Baylor University cataloged this one as “1858-1864” although there doesn’t seem to be a date printed on it.

Compared to the version posted by Joe Offer above, note that (1) the verses are in a different order; (2) a few words are different and I have boldfaced them; (3) 4 lines, not 2, are repeated from each verse; and (4) this may not be the only musical setting of the words.


HER BRIGHT SMILE HAUNTS ME STILL
Words by J. E. Carpenter, music by W. T. Wrighton.

1. ’Tis years since last we met,
And we may not meet again.
I have struggled to forget,
But the struggle was in vain;
||: For her voice lives on the breeze,
And her spirit comes at will,
In the midnight on the seas,
Her bright smile haunts me still. :||

2. At the first sweet dawn of light,
When I gaze upon the deep,
Her form still greets my sight
While the stars their vigil keep.
||: When I close mine aching eyes,
Sweet dreams my senses fill,
And from sleep when I arise
Her bright smile haunts me still. :||

3. I have sailed 'neath alien skies,
I have trod the desert path,
I have seen the storm arise
Like a giant in his wrath.
||: Ev’ry danger I have known
That a reckless life can fill,
Yet her presence is not flown,
Her bright smile haunts me still. :||