Songwriter: A.P. Carter

Producer: George Massenburg Linda Ronstadt

Written by A. P. Carter
© 1935 Peer International Corp. (BMI)

And so you have come back to me
And say the old love's growing yet
You tried through all these weary years
You tried too vainly to forget

Oh no I cannot take your hand
God never gives us back our youth
The loving heart you slighted then
Was yours my friend in perfect truth

Come close and let me see your face
Your raven hair is tinged with snow
Oh yes it is the same dear face
I loved so many years ago

Oh no I cannot take your hand
God never gives us back our youth
The loving heart you slighted then
Was yours my friend in perfect truth

Farewell I think I love you yet
As friend to friend God bless you dear
And guide you through these weary years
To where the skies are always clear

Oh no I cannot take your hand
God never gives us back our youth
The loving heart you slighted then
Was yours my friend in perfect truth

Oh no I cannot take your hand
God never gives us back our youth
The loving heart you slighted then
Was yours my friend in perfect truth
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Fiddle: Alison Krauss
Mandolin: David Grisman
Acoustic Guitars: Carl Jackson, John Starling
Autoharp: David Lindley
Acoustic Bass: Roy Huskey, Jr
Drums: Larry Atamanuik
Background Vocals: Claire Lynch, Emmylou Harris

Linda Ronstadt

A multiplatinum-selling recording artist and a true icon in American music, Linda Ronstadt redefined folk rock with her diverse fusion in genres and powerful vocals.

She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2014 and has earned a wide range of nominations, spanning from a Tony Award and a Golden Globe Award. She has charted 38 Billboard Hot 100 singles with 21 of them reaching the top 40. Having collaborated with several artists in many genres, Ronstadt has lent her vocals to over 120 albums and has sold more than 100 million records.

Her last live concert in 2009, marked the end of her career when she retired in 2011, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and unable to perform.