I never knew the hours could be so long,
I never knew the sky could be so gray,
I never knew the sea could lose its song —
Until you went away.

I never knew how dark could be the night,
I never knew how blossomless the May;
I never knew that beauty could take flight —
Until you went away.

I never knew that life could be so drear,
I never knew how purposeless the day,
I never knew, O Sweet, I need you near —
Until you went away!