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