Oh, my, but you have a pretty face
You favour a girl that I knew
I imagine that she's still in Tennessee
And, by God, I should be there, too

I've a sadness too sad to be true

Well I left Tennessee in a hurry, dear
The same way that I'm leaving you
But love is mainly just memories
And everyone's got him a few
So when I'm gone I'll be glad to love you

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who will be there

When I leave it'll be like I found you, love
Descending Victorian stairs
Feeling like one of your photographs
Trapped while I'm putting on airs
And getting even by saying."Who cares"

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who will be there

So, let all of your passionate violins
Play a tune for a Tennessee kid
Who's feeling like leaving another town
With no place to go if he did
'Cause they'll catch you wherever you're hid

At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
You're literally waltzing on air
At the brand new Tennessee Waltz
There's no telling who will be there