Intro: ~ When Rose was ten years old her father passed away She cried to think he’d never see her on her wedding day And 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 ’til you’re returning? How long how long must I keep the candles burning? ~ When Rose was sixteen years she was courted and wed By Danny Jay the neighbour boy a fine young man they said And in the flowering of their love had a son Danny left one morning before the rising of the sun How long how long will it be ’til you’re returning? How long how long must I keep the candles burning? ~ The years went by and Rose grew bitter in her grief Of all the men who came and went none gave her any peace And even age could not erase the beauty in her face But se had eyes for one who left without a trace And tell me How long how long will it be ’til 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 If you’re travelling 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 ’til you’re returning? How long how long must I keep the candles burning?