Dave Keats songs are © copyright protected.
Dear John I wish you were with me now.
These next few words are bound to make my cry.
Though forced I am to tell you of the news this way
I feel inside I'd just as sooner die.
Remember when we passed out our last exams?
We hid out at the old mill by the stream
While all our friends and relatives worried for us we laughed it off,
Fulfilled our childhood dreams.
Those were good days and dear John I must confess
If I had only lived a year those days I wouldn't miss.
But nature took its course today
And I'm sorry that you had to learn this way.
That day the letter came addressed to you
With orders for a trip to foreign shores
A vision came as if from up above
An' told me that your face I'd see no more.
But if you ever see me on the street
Please turn your head pretend we never met,
For If I'm to save myself from sin again
The first thing I must learn is to forget.
Those were good days and dear John I must confess
If I had only lived a year those days I wouldn't miss.
But nature took its course today
And I'm sorry that you had to learn this way.
You know I never wanted it this way.
I never meant to wound your heart or soul.
But when he pulled his chest in close to mine
I knew that mine had gone out of control.
I hope when you at last come home again
You find someone to love like you loved me.
But next time make sure you get that love back
For as long as ships are faithful to the sea.
Those were good days and dear John I must confess
If I had only lived a year those days I wouldn't miss.
But nature took its course today
And I'm sorry that you had to learn this way.
With this my friend, my lover I must go
Before I fall trap to another lie
For my man is waiting patiently for me
No longer can the freedom I deny.
Though prisoners we've been for many years
You in another place and I in mind.
To carry on would only hurt us more
So with these words I'll say my last goodbye.
Those were good days and dear John I must confess
If I had only lived a year those days I wouldn't miss.
But nature took its course today
And I'm sorry that you had to learn this way.