East Kentucky Fibers

A SHORT LIFE OF TROUBLE (Buell Kazee)

A short life of trouble a few more days apart,

a short life of trouble, dear girl, for a boy with a broken heart.

You know what you promised, it’s been some time ago.

You promised you would marry me standing on the ballroom floor.

I hear the train a coming, she’s going by the station door.

I’d rather be dead and in my grave than to see my darling go.

I see my coffin a coming, the crowd is standing round.

Go take me to some lonesome graveyard and let the grave be my home.

And when I’m dead and buried, will you come and strew some flowers,

to show the people around about you the heart you’ve broken lies there.

Weeping on my bedside, my eyes all wet with dew,

I’d give this world and half of my life if I were married to you.