Give me the Roses

Wonderful things of folks are said
When they have passed away
Roses adorn the narrow bed
Over the sleeping clay
Give me the roses while I live
Trying to cheer me on
Useless the flowers that we give
After the soul is gone

Praises are heard not by the dead
Roses they can not see
Let us not wait til souls have flaked
Generous friends to be
Give me the roses while I live
Trying to cheer me on
Useless the flowers that we give
After the soul is gone

Faults are forgiven when they lie
Cold in their narrow bed
Let us forgive them before they die
Now should the words be said
Give me the roses while I live
Trying to cheer me on
Useless the flowers that we give
After the soul is gone
After the soul is gone