1 How swiftly the years of our pilgrimage fly,
As weeks, months and seasons roll silently by;
Our days are soon numbered, and death sounds our knell;
We scarce know our friends till we bid them farewell.

Refrain:
I’ll bid you farewell, I’ll bid you farewell;
I’ve begged and persuaded, but can not compel;
I’ll bid you farewell, I’ll bid you farewell;
Till judgment day, therefore, I’ll bid you farewell.

2 The righteous and wicked move swiftly along,
In crowds to the grave, both the old and the young;
The good rise to Heaven, the bad sink to hell;
They take on life’s verge an eternal farewell. [Refrain]

3 To you, fellow Christians, I turn with delight;
The grave can not harm you, your future is bright;
Be faithful and humble, temptations repel;
You’ll soon leave this world with a smiling farewell. [Refrain]

4 Farewell, fellow sinners, I’m free from your blood;
My message delivered, I leave you with God;
I’ve begged and persuaded, but can not compel;
Till judgment day, therefore, I bid you farewell. [Refrain]