Franco Battiato - Oh, Sweet Were the Hours lyrics

Oh, sweet were the hours when
In mirth's frolic throng
I led up the revels with dance and with song
When brisk from the fountain
And bright as the day
My spirit's overflowed
And ran sparkling away

Return, ye sweet hours, once again let me see
Your early light forms of
Enchantment and glee
Come, give an old friend while
He crowns his gay glass
A nod as you part and a smile as you pass

Wine, wine, wine
Come bring me wine to cheer me
Friend of my heart come pledge me high
Wine, till the dreams of youth
Again are near me
Why must they leave me, tell me, why?

I cannot forget you, I would not resign
There's health in my pulse
And a spell in my wine
And sunshine in autumn
Though passing too soon
Is sweeter and dearer than sunshine in June