Grey DeLisle - The Maple Tree lyrics

Poorbottom Virginia in the spring of forty three Waltzin' to yer ma's clawhammer banjo melody Tryin' to catch our breath beneath a lonesome maple tree Shakin' and a weepin' you declared your love for me Sooner than we'd crossed the threshold of your cabin door 'Fore the blossoms fell, our country called you off to war Saw you to the station and above the engine's roar Shakin' and a weepin' swore I'd wait forevermore Then a soldier who They mistook for you Bore the brunt of the battle and died The misguided news Ended my life too For shakin' and a weepin' I became your brother's bride Hangin' out the washin' of a boy I hardly knew Heavy with a promise only dyin' can undo You crossed the prairie homeward with your heartbeat black and blue Shakin' and a weepin' 'cause your woman proved untrue At the break of day Watched your body sway From the arm of our lone maple tree Cut the rope's red braid With the same sweet blade That shakin' and a weepin' sent me swiftly home to thee Wakin' and a sleepin' by your side eternally