  Down in Illinois around among the boys I never had a chance to go to school, For there was my dear mother and little invalid brother And I was their support as a rule. But soon come the end to pass them on high There hung saddest memories to the old home was good-bye, Then with all my ups and downs, there’s one true friend I found. While I sit a dreaming of the bygone days Then a hidden voice did swell, saying I’ll teach you how to spell, For there’s a tender meaning for each letter in my name. Chorus R—is for the right, I’ll try to teach you my boy. U—means the union that our hearts will enjoy. B—is used in blotting sorrow’s memory, too. Y—is that your yearning heart will always be true. M—is for the million times you wanted to go to school. O—shows how this old world treats when mother’s lying cool. N—is for my natural love to you I plainly give. T—is just to teach us how to love and live. The placing of these letters tells how the story goes. And the only name I love and spell is my Ruby Montrose. All through life you’ll be like a pearl to me, Just to have and hold you for my own; With tender love, so great, then our lives I will relate, And dream of you my dear when I’m alone. Nights I’ll always pray that you may see the day When you won’t be afraid to spell your name. We’ll study night and day, this will help you on your way, And relieve your tender heart of its bashful pain. To me then came my trial and it seemed if heaven smiled On those dear sweet letters that spells her name. |
|
