A E A
[Verse 1]
A D A A A
We shall meet but we shall miss him, there will be one vacant chair; we shall linger to caress him,
A B E A D A
While we breathe our ev'ning pray'r when a year ago we gathered, joy was in his mild blue eyes,
A A E A
But a golden chord is severed, And our hopes in ruin lie.
[Chorus]
A D A A E
We shall meet but we shall miss him, there will be one vacant chair,
E A D A E A
We shall linger to caress him, while we breathe our ev'ning pray'r.
[Instrumental]
A D E A
[Verse 2]
A D A A A
At our fireside, sad and lonely,often will the bosom swell at remembrance of the story,
B E E A D A
How our noble Willie fell; how he strove to bear our banner through the thickest of the fight,
A E A
And uphold our country's honor, in the strength of manhood's night.
[Chorus]
A D A A E
We shall meet but we shall miss him, there will be one vacant chair,
E A D A E A
We shall linger to caress him, while we breathe our ev'ning pray'r.
[Verse 3]
A D A A
True, they tell us wreaths of glory ever more will deck his brow, but this soothes the anguish only,
B E A D A
Sweeping o'er our heartstrings now. sleep today, oh early fallen, in thy green and narrow bed,
A E A
Dirges from the pine and cypress mingle with the tears we shed.
[Outro]
A D A A E
We shall meet but we shall miss him, there will be one vacant chair,
E A D A E A
We shall linger to caress him, while we breathe our ev'ning pray'r.
