When I Leave the World Behind

A 1915 popular song.
words and music by Irving Berlin


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

  1. I know a millionaire who’s burdened down with care
    A load is on his mind
    He’s thinking of the day when he must pass away
    And leave his wealth behind
    I haven’t any gold to leave when I grow old
    Somehow it passed me by
    I’m very poor, but still, I’ll leave a precious will
    When I must say goodbye

Chorus
I’ll leave the sunshine to the flowers
I’ll leave the springtime to the trees
And to the old folks I’ll leave the mem’ries
Of a baby upon their knees
I’ll leave the night time to the dreamers
I’ll leave the song birds to the blind
I’ll leave the moon above to those in love
When I leave the world behind
When I leave the world behind

  1. To every wrinkled face I’ll leave a fire place
    To paint their favorite scene
    Within the golden rays, scenes of their childhood days
    When they were sweet sixteen
    I’ll leave them each a song to sing the whole day long
    As toward the end they plod
    To every broken heart with sorrow torn apart
    I’ll leave the love of God

Sung here by Fred Feild: