Organ music softly playing
Sounds of people's whispers saying
"She's a pretty bride; you're such a lucky man"
I smile and blink the tears away
And find the proper words to say
While aching with the pain they just can't understand

It could have been me
Wearing that dress of white
It could have been me
Holding you close tonight
It could have been me
Giving your children life
Why can't it be me who'll be your wife?

Now we're all gathered together
You vow your love for worse or better
Lift her veil and kiss her with a tender glow
Then leading her back up the aisle
I try to meet your eyes and smile
But all the time my heart is breaking so

It could have been me
Wearing that dress of white
It could have been me
Holding you close tonight
It could have been me
Giving your children life
Why can't it be me who'll be your wife?
They toast the lovely bride and groom
And as you leave the noisy room
They say that it's my turn to catch the bride's bouquet
And as the crowd goes streaming past
And someone says "He's hers at last"
I hold my pretty flowers and slowly walk away

It could have been me
Wearing that dress of white
It could have been me
Holding you close tonight
It could have been me
Giving your children life
Why can't it be me who'll be your wife?