Song Description

All women since have seemed like just substitutes. Even many years later, the memory of her still stings - especially when he sees her name in an alumni newsletter.

Lyrics

In place of Rebecca there's Anna and Belle;
In place of Rebecca there's Mary;
In place of Rebecca there's Debby and Lyn;
And the girl that works Fridays in Sales.

And Anna is witty and pretty as you,
And Lyn is so merry, just like you;
And Belle has your sparkle.
A girl on the Tor
Wore a red Tam O'Shanter like yours.

And all of them women I've known or I've seen
and liked; and my Mary's so tender.
But none independent of you, for I see
Just the ways they remind me of you.

And this is the only way I ever judge
If I find a woman attractive:
Not "Is that girl beautiful?" but "Could she fit
In the gap that Rebecca has left?"

For God's sake, Rebecca, just fade away now,
Who asked you to sting all my life through?
No you never asked to, and I never asked.
I just turned, I saw you - and you stung.

My daughter, my love, will be so like you soon;
It's that many years since I knew you.
But there, I'm remembering how you were back then;
And who knows what the years may have brought.

And Mary's so elegant, slim and so warm,
I pity most other men their wives.
So how dare you still sting me deep in the night,
Till I clasp her to soften the pain?

Now look at the hollow way things are fulfilled;
It's folly to think you'd remember.
And how can I bridge waters stormy as these,
Or suppose you'd be interested now?

And yet from the pages that come through my door,
I see your name shine down the deCades.
And no night goes by with no wish nor rich dream
Of trying life over again.

For God's sake Rebecca, just fade away now,
And leave me alone with my Mary.
Just leave me content with the love that I won.
To be free of Rebecca!
Free of you Becca!
Free of Rebecca, at last!