'cause I knew how much you loved the sun
 But you chose to stay, stay and keep me warm
 through the darkest nights I've ever known
 If the mandolin wind couldn't change a thing
 then I know I love ya

 Oh the snow fell without a break
 Buffalo died in the frozen fields you know
 Through the coldest winter in almost fourteen years
 I couldn't believe you kept a smile
 Now I can rest assured knowing that we've seen the worst
 And I know I love ya

 Oh I never was good with romantic words
 so the next few lines come really hard
 Don't have much but what I've got is yours
 except of course my steel guitar
 Ha, 'cause I know you don't play
 but I'll teach you one day
 because I love ya

 I recall the night we knelt and prayed
 Noticing your face was thin and pale
 I found it hard to hide my tears
 I felt ashamed I felt I'd let you down
 No mandolin wind couldn't change a thing
 Couldn't change a thing no, no

 The coldest winter in almost fourteen years
 could never, never change your mind

 And I love ya
 Yes indeed and I love ya
 And I love ya
 Lordy I love ya