Текст пісні
When Emma Rose was ten years old
Her father passed away
She cried to think he'd never see her on her wedding day
Then her mother sickened and left her on her own
Saying, "Emma Rose, it grieves me to leave you so alone"
How long, how long will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long must I keep the candles burning?
When Emma Rose was sixteen years
She was courted and wed
By Danny J., the neighbor boy
A fine young man they said
And in the flowering of their love
Emma had a son
And Danny left one morning
Before the rising of the sun
How long, how long will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long must I keep the candles burning?
The years went by and Emma Rose
Grew bitter in her grief
Of all the men that came and went
None gave her any peace
And even age could not erase
The beauty in her face
But Emma Rose had eyes for one
Who left without a trace
And tell me
How long, how long will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long must I keep the candles burning?
Emma lives alone now
The child is grown and gone
Some say they see her now and then
On the days she goes to town
And if you're traveling north
There's a mailbox on the road
And all it says is "Emma Rose"
In letters faint and old
How long, how long will it be till you're returning?
How long, how long must I keep the candles burning?