Standing in the moonlight by the old garden gate Nellie, my darlin', I know you will wait Wait for me, dearest, he said in tears Then I'll be your sweetheart through all the long years I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true All these long years have been just for you And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday Early next morning at the break of day He was to journey so far away Drawing her nearer, his promised bride By the pale moonlight these words he replied I love you Nellie, yes I'll be true All these long years have been just for you And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away I'll not forget you, I'll be with you someday Nellie my darling, I'm coming home The pilgramage over, no longer to roam But the wedding was over, the knot had been tied And he found his own sweetheart another man's bride. Later they found him lying cold on the grass A pistol beside him held so hard and fast Then came the note that explained the deed And in the pale moonlight these words you could read I love you, Nellie, yes I've been true All of my life has been just for you And believe me, Nellie, when I'm far away I'll not forget you, though I fade fast away.