When Emma 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 Emma Rose was sixteen years, she was courted and wed
By Danny Jay the neighbor boy, a fine young man they said
And in the flowering of their love, Emma had a son
And 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 Emma 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 Emma Rose had eyes for one who left without a trace

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 traveling 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?