Intro: Am F C D7 G
D C G ~ Em
When Emma Rose was ten years old, her father passed away
A C D7 G
She cried to think he'd never see her on her wedding day
D C G
And then her mother sickened and left her on her own
Am F C D G
Saying, "Emma Rose, it grieves me to leave you so alone"
D C D G B
How long, how long, will it be 'til you're returning?
Em C D7 G
How long, how long, must I keep the candles burning?
D C G ~ Em
When Emma Rose was sixteen years, she was courted and wed
A C D7 G
By Danny Jay the neighbour boy, a fine young man they said
D C G
And in the flowering of their love, Emma had a son
Am F C D G
Danny left one morning before the rising of the sun
D C D G B
How long, how long, will it be 'til you're returning?
Em C D7 G
How long, how long, must I keep the candles burning?
D C G ~ Em
The years went by and Emma Rose grew bitter in her grief
A C D7 G
Of all the men who came and went, none gave her any peace
D C G
And even age could not erase the beauty in her face
Am F C D
But Emma Rose had eyes for one who left without a trace
G
And tell me
D C D G B
How long, how long, will it be 'til you're returning?
Em C D7 G
How long, how long, must I keep the candles burning?
D C G ~ Em
Emma lives alone now, the child is grown and gone
A C D7 G
Some say they see her now and then on the days she goes to town
D C G
If you're travelling north, there's a mailbox on the road
Am F C D G
And all it says is 'Emma Rose' in letters faint and old
D C D G B
How long, how long, will it be 'til you're returning?
Em C D7
How long, how long, must I keep the candles burning?