A young gentleman
Came riding past on a snow blue winter's day
He asked to drink by our fire
And I was pleased to let him stay
He drank there quietly for a while
And then he turned and said to me

Your eyes are green
Like summer grass
Your lips are red
Like a fresh cut rose
Your hair is soft
Like an Irish stream
And your voice
Is filled with sweet beauty

And the last words I heard him say

Were "I shall return
For you, my love
On Christmas Day"

And the night will come
But I won't sleep
As I watch the stars that lead him
I cannot place where he is
But still my heart goes with him
I'm saving all my Sunday clothes
For the day that I'll be leaving
Father knows
My sister knows
And my friends
They're happy for me
And the priest he says
You should thank God
For the blessing
Of such beauty

And the last words
I heard him say

Were "I shall return
For you, my love
On Christmas Day"

"I shall return
For you, my love
On Christmas Day"

(I shall return for you my love)

And the last words
I heard him say
Were the last words
I ever
Heard him say

I shall return
For you, my love
On Christmas Day
I swear
I will return
On Christmas Day
And yes
I shall return
On Christmas Day
I shall return
For you
On Christmas Day
My love, I will return
On Christmas Day
I shall return
My love
On Christmas Day

On Christmas Day


Lyrics submitted by Concertina

Christmas Day Lyrics as written by Rollo Armstrong Dido Armstrong

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Word Collections Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Christmas Day song meanings
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    General Comment

    I have a soft spot for this song - such a great Christmas song and she has a beautiful voice.

    godsmack369on December 19, 2004   Link

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