A broken-token love song, 1900.
words by Arthur Gillespie
music by Herbert Dillea
This ballad expands on the familiar quote in its title. The singer is feeling the fondness due to absence and is hopeful for a reuniting. Where there is life there is hope.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
- Sweetheart I have grown so lonely
Living thus away from you
For I love you and you only
Still I wonder if you’re true
I regret the harsh words spoken
That I know have caused you pain
And my heart is nearly broken
Say you love me once again
Chorus
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
That is why I long for you
Lonely thro’ the nights I ponder
Wond’ring darling if you’re true
Distance only lends enchantment
Tho’ the ocean waves divide
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Longing to be near your side
- Has the love that once was dearer
Than all else to me grown cold?
Or has absence drawn us nearer
To each other as of old?
Promise then, you will not sever
From the ties that bind us two
Say you will be mine forever
Tell me that you still are true
Sung here by Fred Feild: