Story Behind The Song

A variation on the chord of C made me think of things ephemeral, flowers perhaps, a camelia impaticular. I thought of a girl's name that rhymed with camelia, and of a wistful, lost love that is so much like an unattended, fading flower. And out rolled the

Song Description

An independent, poetic man leaves behind the girl he loves for the the creative life he feels compelled to pursue. A few years pass, and he receives word that she is getting married. He returns to his beloved state of Virginia to find that not only has s

Lyrics

Amelia

Words and Music by Ellis Glover

I came down Virginia, my heart cupped in my hand,
looking for Amelia as azaleas laced the land.

My sister said shes married, she caught her bouquet,

And though Im just a little late, Im here to give her away.

I said Id be back one day, though she said couldnt wait

for a guy who couldnt make up his mind, she didnt have the time,

shed be moving on down the line.

Ah, the love that shone, Amelia, so radiant from your eyes,

beamed truth on dogwood nights, my lips were lofting lies.

And I recall that summers dream, when fireflies lit your hair

And I said, Amelia, my dear, you best beware.

Oh, Amelia, I was blind, I never met one so kind as you and

true and now I dont know what to do, my loving days are through,

Ive got women, Amelia, but theyre not you.

Yesterday, Amelia, when you said youd meet me,

howd I know that coffee news would utterly defeat me?

A husband that was one thing, but a baby on the way

pulls down the pining moon and rolls my sun away.

I should have known the fairest flower

would be picked within the hour, and so, Amelia,

I guess its good-bye, I thought I was so sly,

I held a pink rose and then I let it die.

Good-bye, Amelia, dont cry, Amelia, Ive tears enough for two.