Verse 1: Oftentimes my thoughts they wander to my happy boyhood days,
Where I roamed about the fields in childish glee,
I can picture in my mem'ry, while in midst of childish play.
My mother when she used to call to me.
And my father, I can see him as I did in days gone by,
Many times I'd run to meet him on the way,
Oh, how happy all did seem, joy and bliss they reign'd supreme.
In the homestead where I first saw light of day.

Chorus: Those were happy days at home, where in childhood I did roam,
Happy days that ne'er will come again to me.
The ones that I loved the best are laid in peaceful rest.
In the little village church-yard near the sea.

Verse 2: Many times the tears are falling, and a sigh comes from my heart,
When the mem'ry of my parents comes to me.
It is then I'm sad and lonely, and I keenly feel the dart,
That heaven's bow had sent unerringly.
It's been years since last I wandered to the church-yard near the sea,
It is there my mother and my father lie.
And tho' I am far away, I shall kneel and humbly pray,
That I'm laid beside the old folks when I die.

Chorus: Those were happy days at home, where in childhood I did roam,
Happy days that ne'er will come again to me.
The ones that I loved the best are laid in peaceful rest.
In the little village church-yard near the sea.