And Then You Smiled - Tom Paxton

Something happened in the moment

Just before you whispered yes

All my hopes and dreams were shaking

At the edge of emptiness

I was certain you’d be tender

As you turned my love away

But then you smiled

Then you smiled

I could feel my heart beat louder

And my fingers turned to ice

I had dared to say, «I love you»

Now I’d have to pay the price

Who was I;

what could I offer

Was I mad to even try

But then you smiled

Then you smiled

Then, if such a thing is possible

Your beauty seemed to grow

And I don’t remember breathing

For a hundred years of so

And though you had not spoken

Still, you had not turned to go

And then you smiled

Then you smiled

I was certain to survive it

I was sure I’d love you still

Even though I had not won you

I’d had time to speak my fill

Then you took my hand and held it

And you whispered, «Yes, I will»

And then you smiled

Then you smiled

Then, if such a thing is possible

Your beauty seemed to grow

And I don’t remember breathing

For a hundred years of so

And though you had not spoken

Still, you did not turn to go

And then you smiled

Then you smiled

Something happened in the moment

Just before you whispered yes

All my hopes and dreams were shaking

At the edge of emptiness

I was certain you’d be tender

As you turned my love away

But then you smiled

Then you smiled

Then you smiled

Then you smiled

Then you smiled