twas just after Christmas, I remember the year, A boy and his sweetheart sat there on a pier; Tomorrow he was leaving for over the foam, And he said, "I'll be back when the robins come home." I will be back when the robins come home, I'll have enough money to make you my own; Don't be too lonely now while I am gone, 'cause I will be back when the robins come home. The winter passed slowly, sometimes he was sad, He said in his letters the weather was bad, And that he missed her while out on the foam, And prayed for the day when the robins come home. I will be back when the robins come home, I'll have enough money to make you my own; Don't be too lonely now while I am gone, 'cause I will be back when the robins come home. The schooner she waited for was coming at last, But joy turned to sorrow for her flag was half-mast; Teardrops were falling on the first day of spring, As her tears wet his casket the robin did sing. I will be back when the robins come home, I'll have enough money to make you my own; Don't be too lonely now while I am gone, 'cause I will be back when the robins come home. Yes, I will be back when the robins come home.