I would ask of you, my darling,
A question soft and low
That gives me many a heartache
As the moments come and go.
Your love I know is truthful,
But the truest love grows cold.
It is this that I would ask you:
Will you love me when I'm old?

Life's morn will soon be waning,
And its evening bells be tolled.
But my heart shall know no sadness.
If you'll love me when I'm old.

Down the stream of life together
We are sailing side by side.
Hoping some bright day to anchor
Safe beyond the surging tide.

Today our sky is cloudless,
But the night may clouds unfold;
But, though storms may gather round us,
Will you love me when I'm old?

When my hair shall be like snowdrift,
And my eyes shall dimmer grow,
I would lean upon some loved one,
Through the valley as I go.
I would claim of you a promise.
Worth to me a world of gold;
It is only this, my darling,
That you'll love me when I'm old!