Intro
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[Verse 1]
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I was just 23 when Lorene married me
C G
G good woman's greatest mistake
She was carrying my child but I was too young and wild
A D
For the burdens that marriage creates
[Verse 2]
G
So just like a coward I looked for a way out
C G
I went where the Slank River flows
C G
I left her a note inside of my coat
D G
And quickly walked off down the road
[Verse 3]
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Lorene stood and shivered while they dragged the river
C G
For the body that was not to be found
I watched from a hill while they had my funeral
A A7 D
From there I could hear every sound
[Verse 4]
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There were friends and relations
C G
And they all kept saying what shame it was I chose to die
C G
But the thing that still haunts me and tears at my conscience
D G
Is the sound Lorene made when she cried
[Chorus]
C G
Black velvet lace covered her face
D
But her grieving was too strong to hide
G
Yes, the thing that still haunts me and tears at my conscience
D G Ab
Is the sound Lorene made when she cried
[Verse 5]
Ab
After two years of hiding with my shame locked inside me
Db Ab
My conscience led me back home
To a small country graveyard where a plain wooden marker
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Had Lorene's name carved next to my own
[Verse 6]
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Now I stand and shiver at the banks of the river
Db Ab
Lorene seems to beckon to me
Db Ab
Death like an old friend whispers come on in
D# Ab
And I'll put your conscience to sleep
[Chorus]
Db Ab
Black velvet lace covered her face
D#
But her grieving was too strong to hide
Ab
Yes, the thing that still haunts me and tears at my conscience
D# Ab
Is the sound Lorene made when she cried
[Outro]
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As I go under the last I remember
D# Ab Db Ab D# Ab
Is the sound Lorene made when she cried