Once I loved
and I gave so much love to this love
it was the world to me!

Once I cried
at the thought I was foolish an' proud
and let you say goodbye!

Then, one day
from my infinite sadness you came
and brought me love again!

Now I know
that no matter whatever befalls
I'll never let you go!

I will hold you close make you stay
because love is the saddest thing
when it goes away

love is the saddest thing
when it goes away

< instrumental break >

I will hold you close make you stay
because love is the saddest thing
when it goes away

love is the saddest thing
when it goes away

when it goes away

Music by Antonio Carlos Jobim
with lyrics by Vinicius De Moraes
English lyrics by Ray Gilbert