I've been singing this song for many decades. I don't remember where I found it. Maybe another Mudcatter will know its origin. I believe it is from WWI.

MARY DEAR

"Goodbye, Mary. I must go,"
Said a lad. "Now don't grieve so,
For it's duty calls me far across the sea."
"Take this autumn leaf of gold,"
Said the maid. "'Twill ne'er grow old.
Always wear it next your heart and think of me."

"Meet me yonder down the lane
When I come back home again
'Neath the tree where this golden leaf once grew.
Kiss me, Mary; then we'll part,"
Said the lad with a broken heart.
"When the leaves begin to fall, I'll be with you."

CHORUS: "I'll be there, Mary dear. I'll be there
When the fragrance of the rose fills the air.
'Neath that old tree grand and tall,
When the leaves begin to fall,
I'll be there, yes, I'll be there, sweet Mary dear.

See the lad with empty sleeve
Of his comrades taking leave.
They were home again. The transport had come back.
"If she loved you long ago,
She won't love you less, I know,
But one arm will do to hold her to you, Jack."

It was autumn time again
As he wandered down the lane.
There beneath that old oak tree he found a grave.
So he knelt in silent prayer
For the one he loved slept there
As the tears fell on the golden leaf she gave. CHORUS