I was dancing with my darlin’
to the Tennessee Waltz
When an old friend I happened to see
Introduced him to my loved one
and while they were waltzing
My friend stole my sweetheart from me
I remember the night and the Tennessee Waltz
Now I know just how much I have lost
Yes I lost my little darlin’
The night they were playing
The beautiful Tennessee Waltz.
She comes dancing through the darkness
To the Tennessee Waltz
And I feel like I’m falling apart
And it’s stronger than drink
And it’s deeper than sorrow
This darkness she’s left in my heart.
The basic song was written in 1947 by Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King, and was a favourite in both the country and popular music genres. Cohen added the third stanza for the live version (dating from 1985) included on Dear Heather (2004).