The minutes are slipping away As we say our last goodbye Bid the world a fond farewell We\'ll share in a final embrace When the lights begin to fade It\'s a tale they had to tell I\'m wiping the tears from your face Though I can\'t control myself God have mercy on us all The chapter has ended a story That only just begun First the rise and then the fall (Chorus) But don\'t let it end this way Before you can go There\'s something that I must say Don\'t let it end this way It\'s too late to cry When winter has come to stay I once had a book in my hand That I didn\'t understand Now I witness every page So won\'t you come closer my love Now our time has nearly come Take a bow and leave the stage (Chorus) Now it\'s time to close your eyes (Chorus