From the operetta “Bitter Sweet”, 1929
Words and music by Noel Coward
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
Alas the time is past when we
Could frolic with impunity
Secure in our virginity
We sometimes look aghast
Adown the lane of memory
Alas! the time is past
Ah, then the world was at our feet
When we were sweet and twenty
We never guessed that what we got
Though not a lot, was plenty
We gaily sought some “Abelard”
To cherish, guard and own us
But all we know of storm and strife
Our married life has shown us
Alas! the time is past when we
Could frolic with impunity
Secure in our virginity
We sometimes look aghast
Adown the lanes of memory
Alas! the time is past
A lack-a-day me, a lack-a-day me
Ah, then the world was at our feet
Alas! the time is past