Lyrics of
Last Thing On My Mind

The Last Thing on My Mind, composed by Tom Paxton, is a classic American folk song. Written in the early 1960s, it reflects the social concerns and traditions of the time. Paxton, one of the most influential folk singers, captured feelings of regret and farewell in the lyrics, resonating with audiences for its simplicity and deep emotion. Often covered by other artists, this song exemplifies folk musics enduring ability to convey universal human ... experiences. See more [+]

It's a lesson too late for the learnin',
made of sand, made of sand
In the wink of an eye my soul is turnin',
in your hand, in your hand.
Are you going away with no word of farewell,
will there be not a trace left behind?
Well, I could have loved you better,
didn't mean to be unkind;
you know that was the last thing on my mind.
You've got reasons a-plenty for goin',
this I know, this I know.
For the weeds have been steadily growin',
please don't go, please don't go.
Are you going away with no word of farewell,
will there be not a trace left behind?
Well, I could have loved you better,
didn't mean to be unkind;
you know that was the last thing on my mind.
As we walk on, my thoughts keep tumblin',
round and round, round and round
Underneath our feet the subways rumblin',
underground, underground
Are you going away with no word of farewell,
will there be not a trace left behind?
Well, I could have loved you better,
didn't mean to be unkind;
you know that was the last thing on my mind.
As I lie in my bed in the mornin',
without you, without you.
Every song in my breast lies a bornin',
without you, without you.
Are you going away with no word of farewell,
will there be not a trace left behind?
Well, I could have loved you better,
didn't mean to be unkind;
you know that was the last thing on my mind.
* Paxton used a capo in later performances