The good old year's a-waning, a-waning.
The good old year's a-waning,
He brought us care and woe,
But we'll forgive the wrong he wrought,
The wrong he wrought,
But we'll forgive the wrong he wrought,
Before we let him go.
We will not look around us
For those who once were here,
But count the good that's left us still,
On the last night of the year,
But count the good that's left us still,
On the last night of the year.

He carried off their riches
From some in springtime proud.
But summer's heavy-hearted ones
He made to laugh aloud,
But summer's heavy-hearted ones
He made to laugh aloud;
And though his months went over
With many a sigh and tear,
We will not stay to tell them now,
On the last night of the year,
We will not stay to tell them now,
On the last night of the year.

He broke full many a friendship,
And many a lover's vow!
But he hath let us meet again,
So we'll not blame him now,
But he hath let us meet again,
So we'll not blame him now;
Nor look behind nor forward,
In sorrow or with fear,
But send the cup of hope about
On the last night of the year,
But send the cup of hope about
On the last night of the year.