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For The Sake of Days Gone By
Jimmie Rodgers Lyrics


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You say that you are leaving
That soon we two must part
I know that you can't mean it
For that would break my heart
And after all, you know
I really loved you so

For the sake of days gone by, dear
Let us start a new
Let's be friends until the end
Like true sweethearts do
Tho' we may have quarrelled
Please don't say goodbye
Shake hands, then kiss and make up
For the sake of days gone be

Why should we spoil our romance
That's lasted all these years
Parting brings only sadness
Unhappiness and tears
I need you more each day
So please don't go away

For the sake of days gone by, dear
Let us start a new
Let's be friends until the end
Like true sweethearts do
Tho' we may have quarrelled
Please don't say goodbye
Shake hands, then kiss and make up
For the sake of days gone by

Overall Meaning

In "For The Sake of Days Gone By" by Jimmie Rodgers, the lyrics convey a plea to salvage a relationship that is on the verge of breaking apart. The singer acknowledges that their partner is expressing a desire to leave and end the love they once shared. However, the singer refuses to believe that their partner truly means it, as it would devastate them. The repetition of the line "For the sake of days gone by, dear" reflects the singer's longing to hold onto the memories and happiness they have experienced together.


The singer proposes starting anew with their partner, emphasizing the importance of remaining friends and preserving the bond that true lovers should have until the end. They remind their partner that although they may have quarreled in the past, it is crucial not to bid farewell. Instead, the singer suggests reconciling by shaking hands, kissing, and making up, all for the sake of the cherished days they have shared.


The song captures the desperation and determination to salvage a fading love. It reminds listeners of the pain that can come from parting ways and the value of preserving a relationship built on history and shared experiences. It showcases the vulnerability and raw emotions that arise when facing the potential loss of someone dear.


Line by Line Meaning

You say that you are leaving
You claim that you are going to depart


That soon we two must part
That in the near future, we must separate


I know that you can't mean it
I am aware that you cannot truly intend to do so


For that would break my heart
Since it would cause my heart to shatter into pieces


And after all, you know
Furthermore, you are well aware


I really loved you so
That I genuinely adored you immensely


For the sake of days gone by, dear
Due to the memories we have shared, my dear


Let us start a new
Let us embark on a fresh beginning


Let's be friends until the end
Let's remain as friends until the very end


Like true sweethearts do
Similar to how devoted lovers often do


Tho' we may have quarrelled
Even though we might have had disagreements


Please don't say goodbye
I implore you not to bid farewell


Shake hands, then kiss and make up
Let's reconcile by shaking hands and then sharing a kiss


Why should we spoil our romance
Why should we ruin the affectionate bond we share


That's lasted all these years
That has endured throughout these numerous years


Parting brings only sadness
Separation only brings forth melancholy


Unhappiness and tears
Causing misery and tears


I need you more each day
I require your presence increasingly with each passing day


So please don't go away
Therefore, I beseech you not to depart




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

knitting mama

My Dad was 23 when Jimmie  died and he always said the greatest song writer and singer of all time died. When I was 16 he was 57 and I didn't pay much attention to the music that he listened to back then, but as the years have passed by and he is gone, I fully appreciate him introducing me to this music...now I can relate to the meaning and what Jimmie's music meant to him and the rest of the world. His songs show what life is really about...

Eduardo Lopez

now this is real music

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