It’s been so long, it’s been so long
Since I have watched a river flowing
Or from the earth seen flowers growing
Or listened to the birds in song

It’s in the past these things belong
As now the winter’s chill is blowing
It’s been so long, it’s been so long
But still a spark of life is glowing

I wonder if it would be wrong
To shed a tear at my own going
Such weakness there is fear of showing
And though I know I should be strong
It’s been so long, it’s been so long