1 One by one are autumn leaves
Borne away on wintry breeze;
Thus we pass from earth away,
This life is fleeting as a day.

Chorus:
One by one, one by one,
One by one we pass away,
This life is fleeting as a day,
This life is fleeting as a day.

2 One by one the stars of night
Disappear with morning light;
Thus the feeble, earthly ray
Is lost in blaze of endless day. [Chorus]

3 One by one are voices hushed,
Earthly joys and hopes are crushed;
Both the timid and the brave
Are laid within the silent grave. [Chorus]

4 One by one our friends pass o’er
To the bright and peaceful shore;
And they join in glad surprise
The glorious anthem of the skies. [Chorus]