Lyrics:
Oh the moon is all agleam on the stream
Where I dream here of you my pretty Indian main.
While the rustling leaves are singing high above us overhead
In the glory of the bright summernight
In the light and the shadows of the forest glade
I am waiting here to kiss your lips so red.
There's a flood of melodies on the breeze
From the trees and of you they breathe so tenderly
While the woodlands all around are resounding your name.
Oh my all in life is you only you
Fond and true and your own forevermore I'll be.
Hear then the song I sing with lips aflame.
chorus:
I am your own your Hiawatha brave;
my heart is yours you know
Dear one I love you so.
Oh Minnehaha gentle maid decide,
decide and say you'll be, My Indian bride.
In the tresses of your hair, lies a snare and its there,
Where my heart a willing captive is.
Oh my woodland queen I pray you'll hold it ever in your care
In my little birch canoe love with you
Just we two down the stream of life in wedded bliss
I would drift sweatheart with you my lot to share.
When the birds upon the wing in the spring
Gaily sing of the green and golden sum mer time
When the snows of early winter robe the woodlands in white,
Then your Hiawatha free I will be
And to thee ev'ry thought of mine will e'er incline.
Heed then the vows I pledge to thee this night.
Although composed as an instrumental work, written as a tribute to a town (Hiawatha, Kansas) where his sweetheart lived, lyrics were later added by O'Dea.