I Wonder Where
You Are Tonight
by Johnny Bond
"In 1940, the Jimmy Wakely Trio was in
California awaiting word on our employment on the Gene
Autry Radio Show, 'Melody Ranch,' and we had nothing to
do but write songs for promised recording sessions.
Before that all my songs had been cowboy, but I was
convinced we'd have quicker success with a hillbilly
love song. In the verse of a song we had sung on the
radio in Oklahoma I found the line 'I wonder where you
are tonight,' and the idea was born. Over the years many
people have come to the conclusion that it is an old
Public Domain song, and several newer songs have come to
life using the identical melody. The most touching
moment of infringement came when a blind man sang me
what he called 'my church song,' written around an old
P.D. song. It was a painful duty to remind the poor man
that I was the composer. He was quite embarrassed when I
did so reluctantly. 'Don't worry, my friend,' I told
him. 'I won't sue you!'" —Johnny Bond
I Wonder Where You Are Tonight
Tonight I'm sad, my heart is weary
Wondering if I'm wrong or right
To dream about you though you left me
I wonder where you are tonight.
The rain is cold and slowly falling
Upon my window pane tonight
And though your love grows even colder
I wonder where you are tonight.
Your heart was cold, you never loved me
Though you often said you cared
And now you've gone to find another
Someone who'll know the love I've shared.
'Twas spring, the birds were gaily singing
And trees were blossoming so sweet
No lovers ever looked so happy
No other love was so complete.
Then came the dawn the day you left me
I tried to smile with all my might
But you could see the pain within me
That lingers in my heart tonight.
I've died a million times my darling
Ever since you went away
Just watching, waiting, hoping, praying
That you'll be coming back someday.
The loneliness within my cabin
Has left its mark upon my heart
'Cause I have never been the same, dear
Since that sad day we had to part.
If I could only make amends, dear
For all the things that were not right
I wouldn't have to walk and worry
And wonder where you are tonight.
