 | The Music of Stephen C. Foster . |  |
2. VOLUME 2
1856–1869
8
GENTLE ANNIE.
[1]
Thou wilt come no more, gentle Annie,Like a flower thy spirit did depart;
Thou art gone, alas! like the many
That have bloomed in the summer of my heart.
CHORUS.
Shall we never more behold thee; never hear thy winning voice again—When the Springtime comes, gentle Annie,
When the wild flowers are scattered o'er the plain?
[2]
We have roamed and loved mid the bowersWhen thy downy cheeks were in their bloom;
Now I stand alone mid the flowers
While they mingle their perfumes o'er thy tomb.
Chorus.
[3]
Ah! the hours grow sad while I ponderNear the silent spot where thou art laid,
And my heart bows down when I wander
By the streams and the meadows where we strayed.
Chorus.
11
The White House Chair
1.
Come all ye men of every state,Our creed is broad and fair;
Buchanan is our candidate,
And we'll put him in the White House Chair.
CHORUS
Then come ye men from ev'ry state,Our creed is broad and fair;
Buchanan is our candidate,
And we'll put him in the White House Chair.
2.
Let all our hearts for union be,For the North and South are one;
They've worked together manfully,
And together they will still work on.
3.
We'll have no dark designing bandTo rule with secret sway;
We'll give to all a helping hand,
And be open as the light of day.
4.
We'll not outlaw the land that holdsThe bones of Washington;
Where Jackson fought and Marion bled,
And the battles of the brave were won.
12
The Abolition Show
[1]
On the Seventeenth day of September, you know,Took place in our city the great baby show,
They shut up the factories and let out the schools,
For the Seventeenth day was the day of all fools.
Chorus
Sing tu ral lal lu ral lal lu ral lal lay,Sing tu ral lal lu ral lal lu ral lal lay,
Sing tu ral lal lu ral lal lu ral lal lay,
Sing tu ral lal lu ral lal lu ral lal lay.
2
They made a procession of wagons and boats,Of racoons and oxen (they all have their votes)
Sledge hammers, triangles and carpenter's tools,
One thousand and eight hundred horses and mules.
Chorus
3
They had gemmen ob color to join in their gamesAnd jokers and clowns of all ages and names
They had pop guns and tin pans and all kinds of toys
And a very fine party of women and boys.
Chorus
4
They had young men on horse back, so nice and so gayAged Seventeen years on this Seventeenth day,
And the ladies all thought they were bold cavaliers
These bright looking lads aged seventeen years.
Chorus
5
They had grim border-ruffians, I'll bring to your mind,And they've plenty more left of the very same kind,
They drank from a flask and played cards on the way,
And the children looked on, on this Seventeenth day.
Chorus
6
They had Ohio yankees of Western ReserveWho live upon cheese, ginger cakes and preserve,
Abolition's their doctrine their rod and their staff,
And they'll fight for a sixpence an hour and a half.
Chorus
7
Now was it not Kind in these good simple clownsTo amuse all the children in both of our towns
To shut up their work shops and spend so much money
To black up their faces, get tight and be funny.
Chorus
8
They called it a council of freemen you knowBut I told you before 'twas a great baby show,
For when they had met they had nothing to say
But “Poor Bleeding Kansas” and “Ten Cents a Day”
Chorus
9
Then their ship Constitution was hauled through the streetWith sixteen small guns she was armed compleat
But the brave ship of State by which Democrats stand
Carries thirty one guns with old Buck in command.
Chorus
10
In the year '45 when the fire laid us wasteOld Buck gave us five hundred dollars in haste
They then took his money and lauded his name
But he's now “Ten cent Jimmy”, their banners proclaim.
Chorus
15
I SEE HER STILL IN MY DREAMS.
[1]
While the flow'rs bloom in gladness and spring birds rejoiceThere's a void in our household of one gentle voice.
The form of a loved one hath passed from the light,
But the sound of her foot fall returns with the night;
For I see her still in my dreams,
I see her still in my dreams,
Though her smiles have departed from the meadows and the streams.
[2]
Though her voice once familiar hath gone from the dayAnd her smiles from the sunlight have faded away,
Though I wake to a scene now deserted and bleak,
In my visions I find the lost form that I seek;
For I see her still in my dreams,
I see her still in my dreams,
Though her smiles have departed from the meadows and the streams.
23
LULA IS GONE
[1]
With a heart forsaken I wanderIn silence, in grief and alone,
On a form departed I ponder,
For Lula, sweet Lula is gone.
Gone when the roses have faded,
Gone when the meadows are bare
To a land by orange blossoms shaded
Where summer ever lingers on the air.
CHORUS.
Lula, Lula, Lula is gone;With summer birds her bright smiles
To sunny lands have flown.
When day breaketh gladly
My heart waketh sadly,
For Lula, Lula is gone.
[2]
Not a voice awakens the mountains,No gladness returns with the dawn,
Not a smile is mirrored in the fountains,
For Lula, sweet Lula is gone.
Day is bereft of its pleasures,
Night of its beautiful dreams,
While the dirge of well remembered measures
Is murmured by the ripple on the streams.
Chorus.
[3]
When I view the chill-blighted bowersAnd roam o'er the snow covered plain
How I long for spring's budding flowers
To welcome her sweet smiles again.
Why does the earth seem forsaken?
Time will this sadness remove:
At her voice the meadows will awaken
To verdure, sweet melody and love.
Chorus.
28
LINGER IN BLISSFUL REPOSE
Linger in blissful repose,
Free from all sorrowing care love,
While round thee melody flows,
Wafted on pinions of air love.
Let not thy visions depart,
Lured by the stars that are beaming,
Music will flow from my heart
While thy sweet spirit is dreaming
Dreaming, dreaming, unfettered by the day,
In melody, in melody I'll breathe I'll breathe my soul away.
Free from all sorrowing care love,
While round thee melody flows,
Wafted on pinions of air love.
Let not thy visions depart,
Lured by the stars that are beaming,
Music will flow from my heart
While thy sweet spirit is dreaming
Dreaming, dreaming, unfettered by the day,
In melody, in melody I'll breathe I'll breathe my soul away.
Softly the night winds are heard,
Sighing o'er mountain and dale, love,
Gently the vapors are stirred
Down in the shadowy vale love.
While o'er the dew covered plain,
Starlight in silence is gleaming,
Lightly I'll breathe a refrain
Round the young heart that is dreaming.
Dreaming, dreaming, unfettered by the day,
In melody, in melody I'll breathe I'll breathe my soul away.
Sighing o'er mountain and dale, love,
Gently the vapors are stirred
Down in the shadowy vale love.
While o'er the dew covered plain,
Starlight in silence is gleaming,
Lightly I'll breathe a refrain
Round the young heart that is dreaming.
Dreaming, dreaming, unfettered by the day,
In melody, in melody I'll breathe I'll breathe my soul away.
33
WHERE HAS LULA GONE
[1]
Little voices laughing free,Laughing on the lawn,
Tell me can you answer me,
Where has Lula gone?
Where is that merry form
Ever on the move,
Glancing through calm and storm
Living beams of love?
Soft rays of mellow light
From her eyes were thrown,
And her smiles were summer bright,
Where has Lula gone?
[2]
She has left the sunny hillsIn their blushing bloom,
She has left the running rills
Gushing round her home,
Far in some distant land
She may yet be seen
Leading a fairy band
Like a fairy queen.
Far, far my longing heart
On her path has flown,
Yet no answer can impart;
Where has Lula gone?
[3]
Summer days have come and gone,Starry nights have passed,
Many dreams of hope have flown
Since I saw her last
Roaming in rapture wild
On the mountain side,
Smiling when roses smiled,
Sighing when they died,
Wild as the honey bee,
Gentle as the fawn,
Fairer than the dawn was she;
Where has Lula gone?
MY LOVED ONE AND MY OWN
OR EVA
[1]
Bloom bright fair flowers around the white stoneWhere sleepeth my Eva, my loved one and my own,
Who departed in sadness and left me alone,
Sweet Eva, my loved one my own.
[2]
She was the idol of life's early day,But, fearing the censure that worldling's might say,
Pride tore my weak heart from Eva away,
From Eva, sweet Eva away.
[3]
She died, it were better than living apart,She died, and the sunlight went out from my heart
She died, and this cold world no joy can impart.
From Eva, no joy can impart.
66
FAIRY-BELLE.
[1]
The pride of the village and the fairest in the dellIs the queen of my song and her name is Fairy-Belle;
The sound of her light step may be heard upon the hill
Like the fall of the snow-drop or the dripping of the rill,
CHORUS.
Fairy-Belle, gentle Fairy Belle,The star of the night and the lily of the day,
Fairy-Belle, The queen of all the dell,
Long may she revel on her bright sunny way.
[2]
She sings to the meadows and she carrols to the streams,She laughs in the sunlight and smiles while in her dreams,
Her hair like the thistle-down is bourn upon the air,
And her heart like the humming-bird's is free from ev'ry care.
Chorus.
[3]
Her soft notes of melody around me sweetly fall,Her eye full of love is now beaming on my soul.
The sound of that gentle voice, the glance of that eye,
Surround me with rapture that no other heart could sigh.
Chorus.
3
THOU ART THE QUEEN OF MY SONG.
I.
I long for thee; must I long and long in vain?I sigh for thee; will thou come not back again?
Though cold forms surround us
To sever all that bound us,
Gentle queen of my song.
The fields and the fair flowers shall welcome thee,
And all to thy pleasures shall belong;
Pride of my early years,
Thou art the queen of my song.
II.
The days are gone, days of summer bright and gay,The days of love we so fondly whiled away;
But still while I'm dreaming
Thy smiles are o'er me beaming,
Gentle queen of my song
The wind o'er the lone meadow wails for thee,
The birds sing thy beauties all day long;
Pride of my early years,
Thou art the queen of my song.
III.
I turn to thee; though our happy hours have flown?I turn to thee; and my saddest thoughts are gone,
For love will be burning
And memory still returning,
Gentle queen of my song.
Come let thy warm heart rejoice with me,
Come from the bright and luring throng;
Pride of my early years,
Thou art the queen of my song.
3
THE WIFE.
I.
He'll come home, he'll not forget me, for his word is always true.He's gone to sup
The deadly cup,
And while the long night through,
He's gone to quaff,
And talk and laugh
To while the drear night through:—
He'll come home, he'll not forget me, for his word is always true.
II.
He'll come home with tears and pleading words and ask me to forget.Can I be his
While he is mine
And cause him one regret?
My heart may break,
But for his sake
I'll do all I can do.—
He'll come home, he'll not forget me, for his word is always true.
III.
He'll come home with sorrow on his heartThat none but he can know
With pangs of thought,
How dearly bought!
And fears of coming woe;
He'll feel the cost of days now lost
That time can ne'er renew
He'll come home, he'll not forget me,
For his word is always true.
3
POOR DROOPING MAIDEN.
[1]
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's dayAlone in sorrow all day long,
Thine eyes from light, thine ears from song;
Why are thy frail hands toiling the hours away?
Found in a dreary home,
Bound to a weary doom
Why are thy frail hands toiling the hours away!
CHORUS.
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day,—Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day.
[2]
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's dayThe flowers are out upon the lea
And balmy winds are on the sea
Come let thy sad heart warm in the sun's kind ray!
See how the reapers toil,
Gaily they've tilled the soil,
Come let thy sad heart warm in the suns kind ray!
CHORUS.
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day,—Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day.
[3]
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's dayThe birds are out with songs and glee
And gladness lurks in bush and tree
Where is thy pure voice that once was so light and gay?
Come roam the laughing hills!
Come see the dancing rills!
Where is thy pure voice that once was so light and gay?
CHORUS.
Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day,—Poor drooping maiden sighing on a bright bright summer's day.
86
CORA DEAN
[1]
Near the broad Atlantic watersRoaming the woodlands green
'Mid Long Islands lovely daughters
Fairest of all was Cora Dean
Soft her voice as liquid measure
Heard when the streamlets move
While her eyes of tender azure
Glowed with the winning beams of love
CHORUS.
Cora Dean has left the summer rosesBlooming o'er the lea
While her fair and gentle form reposes
Down by the calm blue sea.
[2]
Cora Dean was formed for lovingCheering the hearts of all
None could sigh where she was moving
Birds tuned their carols to her call
Fields grew fairer at her coming
Flowers a more joyful throng
Skies were bright where she was roaming
Streams danced the lighter to her song
CHORUS.
Cora Dean has left the summer rosesBlooming o'er the lea
While her fair and gentle form reposes
Down by the calm blue sea.
[3]
Eyes bedimmed with tears are streamingRound her deserted home
Silent stars are nightly beaming
Lending a sadness to the gloom
While the winds of summer dying
Borne from the deep dark wave
O'er the land in dirges sighing
Murmur with sorrow round her grave
CHORUS.
Cora Dean has left the summer rosesBlooming o'er the lea
While her fair and gentle form reposes
Down by the calm blue sea.
90
UNDER THE WILLOW SHE'S SLEEPING.
I.
Under the willow she's laid with care—(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Under the willow, with golden hair,
My little one's quietly sleeping.
CHORUS.
Fair, fair, and golden hair,(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
Under the willow she's sleeping.
II.
Under the willow no songs are heard,Near where my darling lies dreaming;
Nought but the voice of some far off bird
Where life and its pleasures are beaming.
CHORUS.
Fair, fair, and golden hair,(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
Under the willow she's sleeping.
III.
Under the willow by night and daySorrowing ever I ponder;
Free from its shadowy, gloomy ray
Ah! never again can she wander.
CHORUS.
Fair, fair, and golden hair,(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
Under the willow she's sleeping.
IV.
Under the willow I breathe a prayerLonging to linger forever
Near to my angel with golden hair
In lands where there's sorrowing never.
CHORUS.
Fair, fair, and golden hair,(Sang a lone mother while weeping,)
Fair, fair, and golden hair,
Under the willow she's sleeping.
94
THE GLENDY BURK
[1]
De Glendy Burk is a mighty fast boat,Wid a mighty fast captain too;
He sits up dah on de hurricane roof
And he keeps his eye on de crew.
I cant stay here, for dey work too hard;
I'm bound to leave dis town;
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down.
CHORUS
Ho! for Lou'siana!I'm bound to leave dis town;
I'll take my duds and tote 'em on my back
When de Glendy Burk comes down.
[2]
De Glendy Burk has a funny old crewAnd dey sing de boatman's song,
Dey burn de pitch and de pine knot too,
For to shove de boat along.
De smoke goes up and de ingine roars
And de wheel goes round and round,
So fair you well! for I'll take a little ride
When de Glendy Burk comes down.
CHORUS.
[3]
I'll work all night in de wind and storm,I'll work all day in de rain,
Till I find myself on de levydock
In New Orleans again.
Dey make me mow in de hay field here
And knock my head wid de flail,
I'll go wha dey work wid de sugar and de cane
And roll on de cotton bale.
CHORUS.
[4]
My lady love is as pretty as a pink,I'll meet her on de way
I'll take her back to de sunny old south
And dah I'll make her stay
So dont you fret my honey dear,
Oh! dont you fret Miss Brown
I'll take you back 'fore de middle of de week
When de Glendy Burk comes down.
CHORUS.
97
Jenny's Coming O'er the Green.
BALLAD
1.
Jenny's coming o'er the green,Fairer form was never seen,
Winning is her gentle mien;—
Why do I love her so?
We have wandered side by side
O'er the meadows far and wide:
Little Jenny's full of pride,—
Why do I love her so?
2.
Jenny's calm and liquid eyesSometimes bring a sweet surprise,
Like a change in summer skies;—
Why do I love her so?
On her voice, so full of glee,
Wakes the saddest memory:
She is younger far than me,—
Why do I love her so?
3.
Little Jenny never fears,Hoping all from coming years,
Dashing off the passing tears;—
Why do I love her so?
Can I not another find
With her sweet endearing mind.
None—with Jenny's charms combined?
Why do I love her so?
98
Beautiful Child of Song.
1.
Come, I am longing to hear thee,Beautiful child of song,
Come though the hearts that are near thee,
Around thee devotedly throng
Come, I am longing to hear thee,
Beautiful child of song.
Beautiful child of song,
I'm longing to hear thee carol thy lay, sweet child of song.
I'm longing to hear thee carol thy lay, sweet child of song.
2.
Come, for the spell of a fairyDwells in thy magical voice,
And at thy step light and airy,
E'en cold hearts enraptured rejoice.
Come, I am longing to hear thee,
Beautiful child of song.
Beautiful child of song,
I'm longing to hear thee carol thy lay sweet child of song.
I'm longing to hear thee carol thy lay sweet child of song.
100
OLD BLACK JOE.
[1]
Gone are the days when my heart was young and gay,Gone are my friends from the cotton fields away,
Gone from the earth to a better land I know,
I hear their gentle voices calling “Old Black Joe.”
CHORUS.
I'm coming, I'm coming, for my head is bending low:I hear those gentle voices calling, “Old Black Joe.”
[2]
Why do I weep when my heart should feel no painWhy do I sigh that my friends come not again,
Grieving for forms Now departed long ago?
I hear their gentle voices calling “Old Black Joe.”
[3]
Where are the hearts once so happy and so free?The children so dear that I held upon my knee,
Gone to the shore where my soul has longed to go.
I hear their gentle voices calling “Old Black Joe.”
104
DOWN AMONG THE CANE-BRAKES.
1.
Once I could laugh and play,When in life's early day,
Then I was far away—
Down among the cane-brakes.
CHORUS.
Down among the cane-brakes on the Mississippi shoreOh! those happy days, those happy days are o'er!
Oh! those happy days will come back no more!
2.
Yes I was free from care;All was bright summer there;
Dark days to me were fair—
Down among the cane-brakes.
CHORUS.
Down among the cane-brakes on the Mississippi shoreOh! those happy days, those happy days are o'er!
Oh! those happy days will come back no more!
3.
There lived my mother dear(Gone from this world I fear)
There rang our voices clear
Down among the cane-brakes.
4.
There lived a lovely one,Who like the rest has gone,—
She might have been my own
Down among the cane-brakes.
5.
Long years have glided bySince then I breathed each sigh,—
May I return to die
Down among the cane-brakes.
108
VIRGINIA BELLE.
[1]
Fair ever than the golden morning,Gentle as the tongue can tell,
Was our little laughing darling,
Sweet Virginia Belle.
CHORUS.
Bright Virginia Belle!Our dear Virginia Belle!
She bereft us
When she left us,
Sweet Virginia Belle!
[2]
How we used to roam togetherO'er the mountain, through the dell,
In the smiles of spring time weather,—
Sweet Virginia Belle!
[3]
She was lythe as any fairy,Winning hearts with fairy spell,
Tripping with a footstep airy,—
Sweet Virginia Belle!
[4]
While her life was in its morningCame a sad and solemn knell,
She was taken without warning.—
Sweet Virginia Belle!
111
The Little Ballad Girl.
1
Ho! little girl, so dressed with care!With fairy slippers and golden hair!
What did I hear you calling so loud,
Down in that heartless, motley crowd?
'Tis my father's song,
And he can't live long;
Every one knows that he wrote it;
For I've been down at the hotel door,
And all the gentlemen bought it.
[2]
Ho! little girl, let me light my cigar!Where are you going tonight so far?
What are you hiding under your arm?
If I burn a sheet, will it do any harm?
'Tis my father's song,
And he can't live long;
Every one knows that he wrote it,
For I've been down at the hotel door,
And all the gentlemen bought it.
3.
Ho! little girl, what makes you cry?Come, dry up the tears in that bright blue eye!
What is all this that is blowing around.
All softed and scattered and strewn on the ground.
'Tis my father's song,
And he can't live long:
Every one knows that he wrote it,
For I've been down at the hotel door,
And all the gentlemen bought it.
113
MINE IS THE MOURNING HEART.
1.
Thou hast roam'd under summer skies whilst I have weather'd the storm,I have pray'd that the angels fair would shield thy pillow from harm.
But thou wert gone and none this soul from sadness could awaken.
Mine is the mourning heart!
By thee, by thee forsaken.
By thee, by thee forsaken.
2.
Thou hast whisper'd in words of love to other ears than mine,I have yielded to others charms but worship'd only thine.
But ah! dost thou remember, love, those sacred vows we've taken.
Mine is the mourning heart!
By thee, by thee forsaken.
By thee, by thee forsaken.
117
DON'T BET YOUR MONEY ON DE SHANGHAI.
1.
De Shanghai chicken when you put him in de pitHe'll eat a loaf of bread up but he can't fight a bit
De Shanghai fiddle is a funny little thing
And ebry time you tune him up he goes ching! ching!
Chorus—
Oh! de Shanghai!Don't bet your money on de Shanghai!
Take de little chicken in de middle of de ring
But don't bet your money on de Shanghai.
2.
I go to de fair for to see de funny fowlsDe double headed pigion and de one eyed owls
De old lame goose wid no web between his toes
He kills himself a laughing when de Shanghai crows.
Chorus—
Oh! de Shanghai! &c.—3.
De Shanghai's tall but his appetite is smallHe'll only swallow ebry thing that he can overhaul
Four bags of wheat just as certain as your born
A bushel of potatoes and a tub full of corn.
Chorus—
Oh! de Shanghai! &c.—121
MOLLY DEAR GOOD NIGHT.
[1]
Molly dear, I cannot linger;Let me soon begone.
Time now points with warning finger
T'wards the coming dawn.
When the noisy weary day
Shall have toiled its cares away,
To thy side again I'll stray;
Then Molly dear, good night!
[2]
Smile away the coming morrowTill my sure return;
Why should fond hearts part in sorrow?
Grief too soon we learn.
Hours of bliss must come and go,
Constant pleasures none can know,
Joy must have its ebb and flow;
Then Molly dear, good night!
[3]
On thy form, with beauty laden,All my thoughts will be;
Purer love ne'er blessed a maiden
Than I hold for thee;
While thine eyes in beauty glance,
While thy smiles my soul entrance,
Still the fleeting hours advance;
Then Molly dear, good night!
125
OUR WILLIE DEAR IS DYING.
1.
Our Willie, dear, is dying, love,And thou art far away;
His little breath is sighing, love,
And cannot last till day.
Tonight while sitting by his side
I heard him speak of thee—
My father's coming home, he said, with presents bright for me.
Come—with an eagle's flight,
Come—like a beam of light,
Come love, come home tonight;
Our Willie dear is dying—
2.
His blooming cheeks have faded, love,The light has left his brow;
His eyes are dim'd and shaded, love,
You would not know him now.
And when the fever rages,
With a sad and restless moan,
His feeble voice then warns us there is death within that tone.
Come—with an eagle's flight,
Come—like a beam of light,
Come love, come home to night;
Our Willie dear is dying—
3
No grief that e'er befell me, love,Could cause this heart such pain;
Though neighbours kindly tell me, love,
He may get well again.
But a mother's heart is watchful
All the life has left his eyes;—
Oh come to night and weep with me before our darling dies.
Come with an eagles flight,
Come like a beam of light,
Come, love, come home tonight;
Our Willie dear is dying.
128
“Lizzie Dies To-Night.”
[1]
'Twas hard, our parting, mother dear,It gave you untold pain;
But hope was strong within our hearts
That we should meet again.
There's health upon my cheek once more,
And in my eye new light—
'Twill all be quenched in Ocean's gloom,
For Lizzie dies to-night!
Lizzie dies tonight, mother, Lizzie dies tonight.
2.
I've been so happy, mother dear,When brightest summer smiled,
The friends who love me far away
Have guarded well your child;
They've brought me almost back again
To you and home's delight.
But I will never see you more,
For Lizzies dies tonight!
Lizzie dies tonight, mother,
Lizzie dies tonight!
3.
I'm thinking, mother, of the timeWhen little Willie died,
We laid him down with bursting hearts,
My father's tomb beside.
'Twas then you feared my tender form
Would vanish from the light,—
But ah! my grave is 'neath the wave,
For Lizzie dies tonight.
Lizzie dies tonight mother,
Lizzie dies tonight!
4.
I know you're dreaming, mother dear,Of all these dangers passed:
Perhaps you'll never know how hard
Death came to me at last.
I'm almost in your arms again,
God make your burden light!
I never more can cheer your heart,
For Lizzie dies tonight.
Lizzie dies tonight, mother,
Lizzie dies tonight!
130
OUR BRIGHT, BRIGHT SUMMER DAYS ARE GONE
[1]
I remember the days of our youth and love,When we sat neath the green oak tree;
When thy smiles were bright as the skies above,
And thy voice made music unto me.
CHORUS.
Never more will come those happy, happy hours,Whiled away in life's young dawn;
Never more we'll roam through pleasure's sunny bowers,
For our bright, bright summer days are gone.
[2]
I remember the flowers that we cull'd by day,And the vows that we made by night;
I remember the brook where we loved to stray
In the by gone days of our delight.
CHORUS.
Never more will come those happy, happy hours,Whiled away in life's young dawn;
Never more we'll roam through pleasure's sunny bowers,
For our bright, bright summer days are gone.
[3]
How we joyed when we met, and grieved to part,How we sighed when the night came on;
How I longed for thee in my dreaming heart,
Till the first fair coming of the dawn.
CHORUS.
Never more will come those happy, happy hours,Whiled away in life's young dawn;
Never more we'll roam through pleasure's sunny bowers,
For our bright, bright summer days are gone.
134
I'LL BE A SOLDIER
1.
I'll be a soldier and march to the drum,And lie in my tent when the night shadows come;
I'll be a soldier with knapsack and gun,
And stand to my post 'till the din of battle's done.
CHORUS.
Farewell! my own lov'd Jenny dear,Still will I dream of thee where-ever I may stray;
Farewell! before the coming year,
I'll be a soldier far, far away.
2.
I'll be a soldier and join in the fray,With black shining belt and a jacket of grey;
I'll face up the battle as bold as a hawk,
As gay as a lark and as steady as a rock.
CHORUS.
Farewell! my own lov'd Jenny dear,Still will I dream of thee where-ever I may stray;
Farewell! before the coming year,
I'll be a soldier far, far away.
3.
I'll be a soldier, “my country's” the cry,I'll fly to defend her and conquer or die;
The land of my childhood my love and my tears,
The land of my birth and my early sunny years.
CHORUS.
4.
I'll be a soldier, and when we have won,I'll come back to thee with my knapsack and gun,
I'll come with a true heart and kiss off each tear,
And linger beside thee forever Jenny dear.
CHORUS.
138
“WHY HAVE MY LOVED ONES GONE?”
BALLAD
I.
Why have my loved ones gone,Like the dew 'neath the early sun?
Why am I left alone,
While all their troubles here are done?
My days of youth have passed away
And the shades of life are near,
But I still remain to mourn the happy days
When dear departed friends were here.
CHORUS.
Why have my lov'd ones gone,Gone to return no more—
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore?
II.
Why have my lov'd ones gone,From the joys and the pains of life?
Why do I still live on,
Alone to battle in the strife?
Alone to struggle in the fray,
Till my earthly cares are done;
While the young, the fair have vanish'd from the day,
Before their sorrows had begun.
CHORUS.
Why have my lov'd ones gone,Gone to return no more—
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore?
III.
Why have my lov'd ones gone,While the Spring time is on the breeze?
Gilding the hill side farm,
And breathing music thro' the trees!
The birds are singing in the air,
And the flow'rs in their bloom;
All things around are beautiful and fair,
But still my spirit lies in gloom.
CHORUS.
Why have my lov'd ones gone,Gone to return no more—
Calmly gliding o'er a Summer sea
Whilst I'm left plodding on the shore?
143
OH! TELL ME OF MY MOTHER.
I.
Tell me, tell me, gentle lady,Many things I'd love to know,
Of my dear and tender mother
Who departed long ago.
While she moved among the living
Were the days all bright and fair?
Did she dwell in happy sunlight
Or in dark clouds of care?
Was she beautiful like thee,
With thy voice of melody?
Did she love and cherish me?
Oh! tell me of my mother!
Gentle lady, let me know,—
While she journeyed here below,
Was the world her friend or foe?—
Oh! tell me of my mother!
2.
Tell me, tell me, of my mother!Is she roaming in the skies?
I've been dreaming all about her,
And awoke with tearful eyes:
She was bending o'er my pillow
In a deep and earnest prayer,
And her voice was like the breathing
Of the soft summer air.
Is the world so full of pain
That she will not come again,
Like a sunbeam on the rain?
Oh! tell me of my mother!
Does she know I'm here alone
While my early friends have gone
And my dearest memories flown?—
Oh! tell me of my mother!
147
FAREWELL MOTHER DEAR.
1.
Farewell! mother dear, I goWhere loved ones never can be parted.
We will meet again I know;
Be not weeping and down hearted.
Last night I dreamed of thee
Saying pleasant things to me;
Still again those vigils keep
While I lay me gently down to sleep.
Oh! Farewell, mother dear, I go
Where loved ones never can be parted.
We will meet again I know;
Be not weeping and down hearted.
2.
Weep not mother dear for meWhen I'm laid underneath the willow;
I'll keep guard upon thy soul:
Thou hast guarded o'er my pillow.
Far in a radiant land
I will join a sister band
They are singing a sweet refrain—
I am called: Farewell! we meet again.
Oh! Farewell, mother dear, I go
Where loved ones never can be parted.
We will meet again I know;
Be not weeping and down hearted.
151
SWEET LITTLE MAID OF THE MOUNTAIN
[1]
Roaming with thee I am happy and free,Dreaming of thee fills my heart full of glee,
Longing for thee brings a sad memory,
Sweet little maid of the mountain.
Why do I grieve when I'm left alone?
Why do I sigh when thou art gone?
We will meet when the night comes on,
Sweet little maid of the mountain?
CHORUS.
We'll meet when the night comes on,Down the glade on the leafy lawn,
We'll roam till the break of dawn,
Sweet little maid of the mountain.
[2]
Over the waters we'll gracefully glide,I've got a bark that can weather the tide,
Out on the sea I will sit by thy side,
Sweet little maid of the mountain.
Meet me at eve in the shady glen,
There I will sing a gentle strain,
You must come to that soft refrain,
Sweet little maid of the mountain?
CHORUS.
We'll meet when the night comes on,Down the glade on the leafy lawn,
We'll roam till the break of dawn,
Sweet little maid of the mountain.
155
FAREWELL SWEET MOTHER.
[1]
Farewell sweet mother,Weep not, weep not now for me,
Though my soul must wander hither,
Weep not mother now for me.
Soon with an angel band,
I will wander hand in hand,
To a fair and radiant land where
I will wait for thee—
Farewell sweet mother,
Weep not, weep not now for me;
Though my soul must wander hither,
Weep not mother now for me.
[2]
Farewell sweet mother,Every night I've dreamed of thee,
And thy voice was soft and gentle,
Saying pleasant things to me
While you these vigils keep,
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Mother tell me why you weep,
Oh! weep not now for me—
Farewell sweet mother,
Weep not, weep not now for me;
Though my soul must wander hither,
Weep not mother now for me.
159
LITTLE BELLE BLAIR
1.
We have made a grave for little Belle Blair,In the fields beyond the town,
In the world she lived without a passing care,
And her brow was ever free from a frown.
CHORUS.
Happy as the live long day was she,And flowing was her dark glossy hair,
We will hear no more her winning melody,
For we've parted with our little Belle Blair.
2.
In the balmy spring we wandered side by side,Through the hours of health and glee,
And our joys flowed on with ever gushing tide,
Like the bubbles of the wide blue sea.
CHORUS.
Happy as the live long day was she,And flowing was her dark glossy hair,
We will hear no more her winning melody,
For we've parted with our little Belle Blair.
3.
In the bloom of youth and all her childish mirth,In the May day of her life,
She has left the cares and busy broils of earth,
For a better world beyond all strife.
CHORUS.
Happy as the live long day was she,And flowing was her dark glossy hair,
We will hear no more her winning melody,
For we've parted with our little Belle Blair.
163
NELL AND I
[1]
We parted in the spring time of life,Nell and I,
With all our gushing joys in their bloom,
But now we've met the worlds busy strife,
Nell and I,
And suffered from its dark chilling gloom.
Yet my heart will sigh
For those days gone by,
That flow in my mem'ry's sweet refrain,
We parted in the spring time of life,
Nell and I,
And I'll never see her bright smiles again.
[2]
We made our little huts on the shore,Nell and I,
And covered them with bright colored shells,
We gathered moss and fern from the moor,
Nell and I,
And pluck'd the dewy flowers from the dells.
But the days roll'd round
And the rude world frown'd,
As time with its hitter cares fled on,
We left our little huts on the shore,
Nell and I,
And we left our brightest hopes in their dawn.
3
We wandered by the bright running streams,Nell and I,
And gamboled o'er the wide grassy lawn,
We met again in light sportive dreams,
Nell and I,
When the weary hours of twilight had flown.
And our hearts proved true
'Till a coldness grew,
'Twas caused by some unrelenting foe,
We'll roam upon the lawn never more,
Nell and I,
Nor wander where the bright rivers flow.
167
“A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS!”
BALLAD.
I.
A penny for your thoughts!For I know that you are dreaming;:
Love's little, wicked darts are sporting with your brain;
A penny for your thoughts!
Thro' those eyes your heart is gleaming,
Longing to welcome back the starry night again.
O'er the meadows, thro' the dew
You'll wander then with I know who,
Fair are her wavy locks as vapors on the hill;
A penny for your thoughts!
On thy lips a smile is beaming,
You'r sighing now for Jenny Dow, that lives beyond the mill.
II.
A penny for your thoughts!Do you think that you will love her
When all those burning dreams have flitted from your heart?
A penny for your thoughts!
Will a halo beam above her,
When those delusive hopes and visions bright depart?
Will all blessings then as now,
Seem to linger round her brow,
Or will they vanish like the bubbles on the rill?
A penny for your thoughts!
For your heart's a cruel rover,
'Tis beating now for Jenny Dow, that lives beyond the mill.
III
A penny for your thoughts!They are plain beyond concealing;
Who cannot read a sighing lover through and through?
A penny for your thoughts!
I have something worth revaling:
Fair maids though full of vows, are fickle and untrue;
Now throw those flattering hopes away,
Tomorrow's Jenny's wedding day—
One with a winning voice has gained her yielding will!
A penny for your thoughts!
On your mind a change is stealing,
What think you now of Jenny Dow, that lives beyond the mill?
172
A THOUSAND MILES FROM HOME.
BALLAD.
[1]
Far from my childhoods scenes, with weary steps I roam;Laden with weight of care, a thousand miles from home;
Old times return to me,
Days of pleasure nights of glee;
While I'm beyond the sea a thousand miles from home.
A thousand miles from home.
Oh! how the heart will droop, a thousand miles from home.
[2]
Where are those early hopes, that made my footsteps stray;Faded while summer bowers, are blooming on my way;
Sweet song of birds I hear,
Childhood's voices bright and clear;
All fail my soul to cheer a thousand miles from home.
A thousand miles from home.
Oh: how the heart will droop, a thousand miles from home.
176
LITTLE JENNY DOW.
BALLAD
I.
Little Jenny Dow lives beyond the mill,Her merry voice is heard all round;
Her happy smiles are seen on the green clad hill,
Where ere the budding flow'rs are found,
She greets the blushing morn like a dew drop bright,
And carols thro' the live long day;
She gladdens up my heart like a beam of light,
And drives my bitter cares away.
CHORUS.
Merrily, merrily, merrily,Her winning little voice is ringing,
And the woodland birds are singing
To little Jenny Dow
II.
Many are the hearts that have sigh'd for her,And many that have sigh'd in pain,
Many that I know would have died for her,
And alas they would have died in vain—
Little Jenny Dow never clouds her brow
In sorrow o'er a love lorn swain;
With spirits full of glee none so gay as she,
As she rambles o'er the hill and plain.
CHORUS.
Merrily, merrily, merrily,Her winning little voice is ringing,
And the woodland birds are singing
To little Jenny Dow
III.
By the gushing streamlets her footsteps glide,Leaving little prints in the sand;
You'll meet her in the dale or the woodland wide,
Giving life and joy to the land:
Ever may she roam with the same light heart,
Ever may she sing with glee;
While the summer days can their beams impart,
And summer birds their melody.
CHORUS.
Merrily, merrily, merrily,Her winning little voice is ringing,
And the woodland birds are singing
To little Jenny Dow
181
I WILL BE TRUE TO THEE.
1.
I will be true to theeThough I share in thy worst despair,
I will be true to thee,
Though my own heart be bowed with care.
Though cold neglect upon thy hopes may fall,
Though fears of death may hover near thy soul,
Though funeral knells upon thine ears may toll,
Yet I will be true to thee,
I will be true to thee,
I will be true to thee.
2
I will be true to thee,Though I roam in a far off land,
Whether on earth or sea,
In a bower or desert strand,
Though darkest clouds may mar the morning beams,
And vapors dull may settle on the streams,
Though blighting Time destroy thy fondest dreams,
Yet I will be true to thee.
I will be true to thee,
I will be true to thee.
3
I will be true to thee;I will pray for thee night and day;
Wilt thou be true to me,
As in years that have rolled away?
When all thy childhood's dearest hopes have fled
And gloomy visions linger round thy head,
When all thy dear and early friends are dead,
Then I will be true to thee.
I will be true to thee,
I will be true to thee.
184
The Merry, Merry Month of May.
1.
We roamed the fields and river sides,When we were young and gay;
We chased the bees and plucked the flowers,
In the merry, merry month of May.
Oh, yes, with ever changing sports,
We whiled the hours away;
The skies were bright,
Our hearts were light,
In the merry, merry month of May.
2.
Our voices echo'd through the glen,With blithe and joyful ring;
We built our huts of mossy stones,
And we dabbled in the hillside spring.
Oh, yes, with ever changing sports,
We whiled the hours away;
The skies were bright,
Our hearts were light,
In the merry, merry month of May.
3.
We joyed to meet and griev'd to part,We sigh'd when night came on;
We went to rest with longing heart,
For the coming of the bright-day dawn.
Oh, yes, with ever changing sports,
We while the hours away;
The skies were bright,
Our hearts were light,
In the merry, merry month of May.
186
A DREAM OF MY MOTHER AND MY HOME.
1.
My Mother and my home,Ah! what pleasant words to me,
They light up my drooping heart whereever I may be,
And the joys of other days o'er my senses gently glide,
While lonely I struggle with the worlds busy tide,
While I rest from my tolls at the close of day,
And bright happy visions around me play,
Recalling the loved voices far away,
I dream of my mother and my home.
My mother, my mother.
How old time memories will come, dream of my dear and gentle mother,
I dream of my mother and my home.
1.
My Mother and my home!Ah! the happy days are gone,
When all their sweet blessings were around my pathway thrown,
But visions of bright days will still come back again
Renewing departed joys like some familiar strain,
I see many homes filled with mirth and glee,
But now in this wide world there's none for me;
But the hours brighter grow, and my heart beats free,
When dream of my mother and my home.
My mother, my mother.
How old time memories will come, dream of my dear and gentle mother,
I dream of my mother and my home.
“THAT'S WHAT'S THE MATTER.”
I.
We live in hard and stirring times,Too sad for mirth, too rough for rhymes;
For songs of peace have lost their chimes,
And that's what's the matter!
The men we held as brothers true,
Have turn'd into a rebel crew;
So now we have to put them thro',
And that's what's the matter!
CHORUS.
That's what's the matter,The rebels have to seatter;
We'll make them flee,
By land and sea,
And that's what's the matter!
II.
Oh! yes, we thought our neighbors true,In dulg'd them as their mothers do;
They storm'd our bright Red, White and Blue,
And that's what's the matter!
We'll never give up what we gain,
For now we know we must maintain
Our Laws and Rights with might and main;
And that's what's the matter!
CHORUS.
That's what's the matter,The rebels have to seatter;
We'll make them flee,
By land and sea,
And that's what's the matter!
3
The rebels thought we would divide,And Democrats would take their side;
They then would let the Union slide,
And that's what's the matter!
But, when the war had once begun,
All party feeling soon was gone;
We join'd as brothers, ev'ry one!
And that's what's the matter!
CHO'S.
4
The Merrimac, with heavy sway,Had made our Fleet an easy prey—
The Monitor got in the way,
And that's what's the matter!
So health to Captain Ericsson,
I cannot tell all he has done,
I'd never stop when once begun,
And that's what's the matter!
CHO'S.
5
We've heard of Gen'ral Beauregard,And thought he'd fight us long and hard;
But he has play'd out his last card,
And that's what's the matter!
So what's the use to fret and pout,
We soon will hear the people shout,
Secession dodge is all play'd out!
And that's what's the matter!
CHO'S.
194
BETTER TIMES ARE COMING.
1.
There are voices of hope that are borne on the air,And our land will be freed from its clouds of despair,
For brave men and true men to battle have gone,
And good times, good times are now coming on.
CHORUS.
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!Sound the news from the din of battle booming,
Tell the people far and wide that better times are coming.
2
Abra'm Lincoln has the army and the navy in his hands,While Seward keeps our honor bright abroad in foreign lands;
And Stanton is a man, who is sturdy as a rock,
With brave men to back him up and stand the battle's shock.
Chorus.
3
Now McClellan is a leader and we'll let him take the sway,For a man in his position, he should surely have his way.
Our nation's honor'd Scott, he has trusted to his might,
Your faith in McClellan put for we are sure he's right.
Chorus.
4
Generals Lyon and Baker and Ellsworth now are gone,But still we have some brave men to lead the soldiers on;
The noise of the battle will soon have died away,
And the darkness now upon us will be turn'd to happy day.
Chorus.
5
Generals Sigel and Halleck they have conquered in the West,And Burnside, victorious, he rides the ocean's breast,
The traitors and the rebels will soon meet their doom;
Then peace and prosperity will dwell in every home.
Chorus.
6
Captain Foote is commander of the Mississippi fleet,For his flag he strikes and makes the traitors beat a quick retreat;
With iron-clad gun-boats he makes the rebels run,
While Grant makes our colors wave and glitter in the sun.
Chorus.
7
General Fremont the path-finder never lags behind,He is gone to the mountains, new pathways to find.
His voice is for freedom, and his sword is for the right,
Then hail! noble Fremont the nation's delight.
Chorus.
8
From the land of the Shamrock there's stuff that never yields,For we've brave Colonel Corcoran, and gallant General Shields;
From Meagher soon we'll hear, for we know that he is true,
And stands for the honor of the Red, White and Blue.
Chorus.
9
Here's health to Captain Ericsson, the Monitor and crew,Who showed the southern chivalry a thing they never knew;
The Merrimac had slayed as St. Patrick did the toads,
Till Worden with the Monitor came into Hampton roads.
Chorus.
198
SLUMBER MY DARLING.
1
Slumber my darling, thy mother is nearGuarding thy dreams from all terror and fear.
Sunlight has past and the twilight has gone,
Slumber my darling, the night's coming on.
Sweet visions attend thy sleep
Fondest, dearest to me,
While others their revels keep,
I will watch over thee.
Slumber my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flowers are carressed,
Slumber my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm,
2.
Slumber my darling till morn's blushing rayBrings to the world the glad tidings of day:
Fill the dark void with thy dreamy delight—
Slumber, thy mother will guard thee to-night.
Thy pillow shall sacred be
From all outward alarms;
Thou, thou art the world to me
In thine innocent charms.
Slumber, my darling, the birds are at rest,
The wandering dews by the flowers are carressed;
Slumber, my darling, I'll wrap thee up warm,
And pray that the angels will shield thee from harm.
202
MERRY LITTLE BIRDS ARE WE.
1
The summer's coming on,And we warble in the tree.
The wint'ry blasts have gone,
Oh! what merry birds are we;
So now we chirp and sing,
For the sunlight makes us glad,
We've waited for the spring
Till our hearts were sick and sad.
CHORUS.
Merry little birds are we,Twit, twit, twee,
Twit, twit, twee,
Merry little birds are we,
For the summer days are coming.
2.
The daisy lifts its headTo the bright and cheering sky,
The snowy flakes have fled,
And the chilling winds gone by,
The roses soon will bloom
And the wild flowers deck the glen,
The butterflies will roam,
Oh! we'll all be happy then.
Chorus.
Merry little birds, &c.3.
We greet the morning beamsWith a welcome to the May,
We carol to the streams
When we wake at break of day;
The birds are on the bough,
And the verdure on the plain,
We'll all be happy now,
For the spring has come again.
Chorus.
Merry little birds, &c.206
NO ONE TO LOVE.
1.
No one to love in this beautiful world,Full of warm hearts and bright beaming eyes?—
Where is the lone heart that nothing can find
That is lovely beneath the blue skies.—
No one to love!
No one to love!
Why no one to love?—
What have you done in this beautiful world,
That you're sighing of no one to love?
2.
Dark is the soul that has nothing to dwell on!How sad must its brightest hours prove!—
Lonely the dull brooding spirit must be
That has no one to cherish and love.
No one to love!
No one to love!
Why no one to love?
What have you done, &c.
3.
Many a fair one that dwells on the earthWho would greet you with kind words of cheer,
Many who gladly would join in your pleasures
Or share in your grief with a tear.
No one to love!
No one to love!
Why no one to love?
Where have you roamed in this beautiful world
That you're sighing of no one to love!
210
NO HOME, NO HOME.
1.
No home! no home on my weary way I seek,When laden with grief and care,—
No voice of love that one gentle word will speak,
No lips that will breathe for me a prayer;
I wander alone o'er the wide wide world,
In sorrow where e'er I roam,
But, ah! while through all its busy scenes I'm hurled,
I find for my drooping heart no home,
I find for my drooping heart no home,
No home for my heart, no home.
2.
No home at night with its bright and cheerful hearth,To soften the cares of day,—
No smiles of joy and familiar sounds of mirth,
Beguiling my bitter hours away.
The mild skies may lend unto me their light,
And meadows around me bloom,—
But through the long and the cheerless hours of night,
I find for my drooping heart no home,
I find for my drooping heart no home,
No home for my heart, no home.
214
WAS MY BROTHER IN THE BATTLE?
1
Tell me, tell me weary soldierFrom the rude and stirring wars,
Was my brother in the battle where you gained those noble scars?
He was ever brave and valiant, and I know he never fled,
Was his name among the wounded or numbered with the dead?
Was my brother in the battle when the tide of war ran high?
You would know him in a thousand by his dark and flashing eye.
Tell me, tell me weary soldier, will he never come again,
Did he suffer 'mid the wounded or die among the slain?
2.
Was my brother in the battle when the noble Highland hostWere so wrongfully outnumbered on the Carolina coast;
Did he struggle for the Union 'mid the thunder and the rain,
Till he fell among the brave on a bleak Virginia plain?
Oh, I'm sure that he was dauntless and his courage ne'er would lag
While contending for the honor of our dear and cherished flag.
Tell me, tell me, &c.
3.
Was my brother in the battle when the flag of Erin cameTo the rescue of our banner and protection of our fame,
While the fleet from off the waters poured out terror and dismay
Till the bold and erring foe fell like leaves on Autumn day?
When the bugle called to battle and the cannon deeply roared,
Oh! I wish I could have seen him draw his sharp and glittering sword.
Tell me, tell me, &c
222
I'LL BE HOME TO-MORROW.
I.
I've wander'd far from those I love, and many years have pass'd,Since in my dear old cherish'd home I saw their faces last;
But now I am returning and my journey soon will end,
I'll join the throng where happy smiles and gentle voices blend.
CHORUS.
Farewell, farewell!Ev'ry cloud of sorrow,
All my heart is fill'd with joy
For I'll be home tomorrow!
II.
How dear the hearts that dwell within that sweet domestic realm!I know that they have long'd for me as I have long'd for them;
The thought that I am near them, makes my lonely spirit yearn
To hear the burst of gladness that will welcome my return!
CHORUS.
Farewell, farewell!Ev'ry cloud of sorrow,
All my heart is fill'd with joy
For I'll be home tomorrow!
226
HAPPY HOURS AT HOME
[1]
I sit me down by my own firesideWhen the winter nights come on,
And I calmly dream as the dim hours glide,
Of many pleasant scenes now gone;
Of our healthful plays in my schoolboy days,
That can never come again;
Of our summer joys and our Christmas toys,
And rambles o'er the streamlet and plain.
CHORUS.
Happy hours at home!Happy hours at home!
How the moments glide by the bright fireside,
In the happy hours at home.
[2]
I sit me down by my own firesideWhere the children sport in glee,
While the clear young voice of our household pride
Makes melody that's dear to me.
And by every art that can charm the heart,
They alure my cares away,
To prepare my soul as the swift hours roll,
For the duties of the bright coming day.
CHORUS.
Happy hours at home!Happy hours at home!
How the moments glide by the bright fireside,
In the happy hours at home.
230
GENTLE LENA CLARE.
[1]
I'm thinking of sweet Lena Clare,With deep blue eyes and waving hair,
Her voice is soft, her face is fair
My gentle Lena Clare.
CHORUS.
Gentle Lena ClareMy dear lov'd Lena Clare
Her heart is light, her eyes are bright,
My gentle Lena Clare.
[2]
I love her careless winning ways,I love her wild and birdlike lays,
I love the grass whereon she strays
My gentle Lena Clare.
CHORUS.
Gentle Lena ClareMy dear lov'd Lena Clare
Her heart is light, her eyes are bright,
My gentle Lena Clare.
3.
Her home is in the shady glen,When summer comes I'll seek again,
On mountain height and lowland plain;
My gentle Lena Clare.
CHORUS.
Gentle Lena Clare, &c.234
WE'VE A MILLION IN THE FIELD.
[1]
The flags are flying,And brave men dying,
The din of the battle is revealed;
The Union's quaking,
The land is shaking
With the tramp of a million in the field.
CHORUS.
We've a million in the field,A million in the field,
While our flag is slighted,
With hearts united,
We can bring a million more to the field.
[2]
We were peaceful heartedIn days departed,
While foes kept their blighting plans concealed,
But they now must weather
The storms they gather,
For they must meet a million in the field.
CHORUS.
We've a million in the field,A million in the field,
While our flag is slighted,
With hearts united,
We can bring a million more to the field.
3.
Down in old Kentucky,They're true and plucky;
They know that the Union is their shield.
And they'll do their duty,
In all its beauty,
When they find we've a million in the field.
Chorus.—
We've a million, &c.238
Beautiful Dreamer.
SERENADE.
Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dew-drops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moon-light have all pass'd a way!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,—
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer awake unto me!
Starlight and dew-drops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moon-light have all pass'd a way!
Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng,—
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lovelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,—
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lovelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.
Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,—
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
243
THE LOVE I BEAR TO THEE.
1.
At midnight hour when all alone,I often sit and think of thee,
And wish that like a star I shone,
With brightness in thy memory;
That while thy form lies calm in sleep,
From every care and sorrow free,
Thy guardian angel then would speak,
And tell the love I bear for thee,
The love I bear for thee.
2.
I wander where we've often strayed,In childhood's hours now passed and gone.
I view the scenes where we have played,
And mourn the joys forever flown;
And yet I know if thou wouldst seek,
To drive me from thy memory,
Thy guardian angel then would speak,
And tell the love I bear for thee,
The love I bear for thee.
246
BURY ME IN THE MORNING, MOTHER.
1
Lay me down where the grass is green, mother,Beneath the willow shade,
Where the murmuring winds will mourn, mother,
The wreck that death has made.
CHORUS
Bury me in the morning,And mourn not at my loss,
For I'll join the beautiful army
That carried the Saviour's cross.
2.
Never sorrow or sigh for me, mother,Who fell in early years,
For I'll be in the pleasant land, mother,
That's free from grief and tears.
Cho.
Bury me in the morning, &c.3
I have heard the songs of the blest, mother,And death is drawing near,
So ferry me o'er the stream, mother,
That mortals dread and fear.
Cho.
Bury me in the morning, &c.4.
You must promise to come to me, mother,When life and hope shall fade,
For there's room for you in the home, mother,
That's far from the greenwood shade.
Cho.
Bury me in the morning, &c.247
LITTLE ELLA'S AN ANGEL!
1
Little Ella's an angel in the skies,Sing, merrily sing.
Come brother and sister, dry your eyes,
Sing, merrily sing.
FULL CHORUS
Sing, merrily sing,Let the chorus joyfully ring!
Little Ella's an angel in the skies,
Sing, merrily sing.
2
Never weep for the angel that's free from tears:Sing, merrily sing.
Never sigh for the blessed that have left all fears:
Sing, merrily sing.
Cho.
3
She has gone while her spirit from sin was free:Sing, merrily sing.
To a region of love and melody:
Sing, merrily sing.
Cho.
4
Little Ella was truthful, good, and kind:Sing, merrily sing,
Little Ella was blest in heart and mind:
Sing, merrily sing.
Cho.
5
Little Ella has left us full of love:Sing, merrily sing.
Let us follow her to the realms above:
Sing, merrily sing.
Cho.
248
“SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN TO COME UNTO ME.”
1
What did our Lord and Savior sayWhen others wished to drive us away?
CHORUS
“Suffer little children to come unto me,—Of such is the kingdom of heav'n.”
2.
What did he say who from aboveCame down to teach us kindness and love?
Cho.
Suffer, little, etc.3.
What were the words of him who bled,Nailed to the cross with thorns on his head?
Cho.
Suffer, little, etc.4.
What did he say whose spirit shedHope to the living, life to the dead?
Cho.
Suffer, little, etc.5.
If on his mercy we rely,What will his words be when we die?
Cho.
Suffer, little, etc.249
WILLIE'S GONE TO HEAVEN.
1
Little Willie's gone to Heaven,Praise the Lord!
All his sins have been forgiven,
Praise the Lord!
FULL CHORUS
Joyful let your voices rise,Do not come with tearful eyes,
Willie's dwelling in the skies,
Willie's gone to Heaven!
2.
Little Willie murmured never,Praise the Lord!
Willie's soul will live forever,
Praise the Lord!
Cho.
Joyful let, &c.3.
In departing he was cheerful,Praise the Lord!
He was hopeful, never fearful,
Praise the Lord!
Cho.
Joyful let, &c.4.
All the light on him has broken,Praise the Lord!
That from Christ was kindly spoken,
Praise the Lord!
Cho.
Joyful let, &c.251
I'M NOTHING BUT A PLAIN OLD SOLDIER
1.
I'm nothing but a plain old soldier,An old revolutionary soldier,
But I've handled a gun
Where noble deeds were done,
For the name of my commander was George Washington.
My home and my country to me were dear,
And I fought for both when the foe came near,
But now I will meet with a slight or sneer,
For I'm nothing but a plain old soldier.
Nothing but a plain old soldier,
An old revolutionary soldier,
But I've handled a gun
Where noble deeds were done,
For the name of my commander was George Washington.
An old revolutionary soldier,
But I've handled a gun
Where noble deeds were done,
For the name of my commander was George Washington.
2.
The friends I loved the best have departed,The days of my early joys have gone,
And the voices once dear
And familiar to my ear,
Have faded from the scenes of the earth one by one
The tomb and the battle have laid them low,
And they roam no more where the bright streams flow,
I'm longing to join them and soon must go,
For I'm nothing but a plain old soldier.
Nothing but a plain old soldier,
An old revolutionary soldier,
But I've handled a gun
Where noble deeds were done,
For the name of my commander was George Washington.
An old revolutionary soldier,
But I've handled a gun
Where noble deeds were done,
For the name of my commander was George Washington.
3.
Again the battle song is resounding,And who'll bring the trouble to an end?
The Union will pout, and Secession ever shout,
But none can tell us now which will yield or bend.
You've had many Generals from over the land,
You've tried one by one and you're still at a stand,
But when I took the field we had one in command,
Yet I'm nothing but a plain old soldier.
Chorus.
Nothing but a plain &c.255
I'D BE A FAIRY.
In the cheerful days of spring
Days bright and airy,
Oft in mirthful glee I sing
I'd be a fairy!
I'd be a fairy, to sport with the wint'ry storms,
To fly on the winds, never fearful of alarms,
Coquetting 'mid birds and cheering melody:
I'd be a fairy sportive and free!
Days bright and airy,
Oft in mirthful glee I sing
I'd be a fairy!
I'd be a fairy, to sport with the wint'ry storms,
To fly on the winds, never fearful of alarms,
Coquetting 'mid birds and cheering melody:
I'd be a fairy sportive and free!
When the world with rudeness frowns,
Or fortune's contrary,
Far beyond earth's chilling bounds,
I'd be a fairy!
I'd be a fairy when mid-summer breezes play,
And roaming in gladness to greet the dawn of day,
O'er meadows and streams above the land and sea:
I'd be a fairy joyous and free!
Or fortune's contrary,
Far beyond earth's chilling bounds,
I'd be a fairy!
I'd be a fairy when mid-summer breezes play,
And roaming in gladness to greet the dawn of day,
O'er meadows and streams above the land and sea:
I'd be a fairy joyous and free!
268
TEARS BRING THOUGHTS OF HEAVEN.
1
Blame not those who weep and sighWhen to sadness given;
Kindly view the tearful eye—
Tears bring tho'ts of Heaven.
2.
When in death our friends depart,When our hopes are riven;
Tears bring comfort to the heart—
Tears bring thoughts of Heaven.
3.
To the suffering child of earthUnto madness driven,
Hallowed hours when tears have birth—
Tears bring thoughts of Heaven.
269
LEAVE ME WITH MY MOTHER.
1
Leave me with my mother for her voice is sweet,Sweetest, sweetest melody
Leave me with my mother, for she clings to me.
Fondly, fondly clings to me!
2
Leave me with my mother, for I love her more,Far more, far more than you know,
Leave me with my mother, for her heart is pure,
Purer, purer than the snow.
3
Leave me with my mother, and her prayers of love,Fervent, fervent prayers of love.
Leave me with my mother, she is heard above,
Kindly, kindly heard above.
270
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
1
Father of love,Father above,
Send down thy blessing upon each head,
Shield us from pride
While we here bide,
Give us this day our daily bread,
Give us this day our daily bread.
2.
Humbly we pray,Humbly we say,
Words that our Lord and Redeemer said.
Trustful and weak,
Humbly we speak,
Give us this day our daily bread.
Give us this day our daily bread.
3.
Make us resigned,Patient of mind.
While to the throne of thy grace we're led
Make us content
With what is sent,
Give us this day our daily bread,
Give us this day our daily bread.
4.
Sinful are we,Thoughtless of thee,
While 'round our footsteps thy care is shed
Though we forget,
Watch o'er us yet,
Give us this day our daily bread,
Give us this day our daily bread.
271
SEEK AND YE SHALL FIND.
1
Who has our Redeemer heard,Whose voice was good and kind?
Thus he spoke in holy word:
Seek and ye shall find.
CHORUS.
Ask and it shall be given,Seek and ye shall find.
Every prayer is heard in heaven
That is breathed from a truthful mind.
2
Come with gentle, contrite heart,And seek the Savior's grace,
Come, that when from earth we part,
We'll meet him face to face.
Cho.
Ask and it shall be, &c.3
Every prayer is heard above,That we sincerely feel,
Every sigh received with love,
When we repenting kneel.
Cho.
Ask and it shall be, &c.4
Life to all, our Lord has shown,Then be to Hope resigned,
When around you, doubts are thrown
“Seek and ye shall find.”
Cho.
Ask and it shall be, &c.I WOULD A YOUTHFUL.
1
I would a youthful pilgrim be,Resolved alone to follow thee,
Thou Lamb of God, who now art gone
Up to thine everlasting throne.
2
I would my heart to thee resign;Oh, come and make it wholly thine;
Set up thy kingdom, Lord, within,
And cast out every thought of sin.
3
Be it my chief desire to proveHow much I owe, how much I love
Contentedly my cross to take,
And meekly bear it for thy sake.
4
Then, when my pilgrimage is o'er,And I can serve thee here no more,
Within thy temple, God of love,
I'll serve thee day and night above
272
WE'LL ALL MEET OUR SAVIOUR.
1
We'll all meet our Saviour, if we keep his sacred word,'Tis the promise of the Lord, the promise of the Lord,
We'll all meet our Saviour, if we keep his sacred word,
'Tis the promise of the Lord. Amen.
2.
Then we'll live with the angels where no sin can ever come,In a fair and happy home, a fair and happy home;
And we'll sing heavenly praises where no sin can ever come,
In a fair and happy home. Amen.
3.
He has gone from among us with a halo round him bright,To a land of love and light, a land of love and light.
He has gone and he calls us with a halo round him bright
To a land of love and light. Amen.
4.
He is called our Redeemer for he suffered for us all,That no penitent should fall, no penitent should fall;
He is called our Redeemer for he suffered for us all.
And we'll hearken to his call. Amen.
FRIENDS OF THE POOR.
1
Friends of the poor, the young, the weak,Regard our humble train;
Compassion at your hands we seek;
Shall children plead in vain?
2
Were you not children once? RenewThe time when young as we:
Think of the friends that nourished you,
And hearken to our plea.
3
Are there not feelings from above,In every heart that reigns?
The pulse, the voice, the look of love;
Shall nature plead in vain?
4
Have you no dear ones round your hearthAs weak and young as we?
Think if like ours had been their birth
Could you resist their plea?
5
Have you not known a Saviour's grace,For man's redemption slain?
Behold the Saviour in our place;
Shall Jesus plead in vain?
6
No! by his early griefs and tearsWhen poor and young as we
By all His woes in after years,
Accept your Saviour's plea.
274
THE ANGELS ARE SINGING UNTO ME.
1
When my mother's hands are o'er me spread,As I kneel, humbly praying by her knee;
When her gentle voice is round me shed,
Then the angels are singing unto me.
CHORUS.
Music from above!Strains of joy and love,
When my soul is fill'd with melody,
Then the angels are singing unto me.
2
When I hear the silv'ry notes of loveFrom the birds gaily singing in the tree,
Then I feel that God still reigns above,
And the angels are singing unto me.
CHORUS.
Music from above!Strains of joy and love,
When my soul is fill'd with melody,
Then the angels are singing unto me.
3.
When the stars are in the placid sky,And soft winds are roving on the lea,
Then I feel that God still dwells on high,
And the angels are singing unto me.
Cho.
Music from above, &c.4.
When I hear the laughing, gurgling stream,Or the waves of the deep and plunging sea,
Then I'm lull'd into a pleasant dream,
And the angels are singing unto me.
Cho.
Music from above, &c.274
ON THE BANKS OF LIFE'S FAIR RIVER.
1
On the banks of life's fair river,Lo! a youthful band,
And they're marching, marching ever,
For the better land;
But the way is full of peril,
And, alas! within
Rebel thoughts and traitor wishes
Tempt their hearts to sin.
Cho.
Strike, children, for the Saviour!Play the hero's part,
While remains a sin unconquered
In a youthful heart.
2
Earthly things are full of danger—Thorns among the flowers—
And the devil still is lurking,
As in Eden's bowers.
Sometimes like a roaring lion,
Roams he forth to slay;
Sometimes like a hissing serpent,
Lies across our way.
Cho.
Strike, etc.3
But we have a glorious leader,Jesus, Lord of all,
Who is stronger than the Tempter.
Christ, on thee we call!
Lead us onward, dear Redeemer;
Ride thou on before,
And we shall be more than victors
In this holy war.
Cho.
Strike, &c.297
LENA OUR LOVED ONE IS GONE
Lena, the pride of our home,
Gone from the earth—Oh! where does she roam?
Fond hearts still sigh o'er her tomb,
Lena, our loved one is gone.
Lena the gentle and fair
Happy by day and at night free from care,
Lena, with light waving hair,
Lena, our loved one is gone.
Gone from the earth—Oh! where does she roam?
Fond hearts still sigh o'er her tomb,
Lena, our loved one is gone.
Lena the gentle and fair
Happy by day and at night free from care,
Lena, with light waving hair,
Lena, our loved one is gone.
Lena, with young tender eyes,
Lending to earth the light of the skies
Lena's dear mem'ry ne'er dies,
Lena our loved one is gone.
Pure as the dew drop was she
Smiling on earth ever joyous and free,
Dear, dear to sad memory—
Lena our loved one is gone.
Lending to earth the light of the skies
Lena's dear mem'ry ne'er dies,
Lena our loved one is gone.
Pure as the dew drop was she
Smiling on earth ever joyous and free,
Dear, dear to sad memory—
Lena our loved one is gone.
300
TELL ME OF THE ANGELS, MOTHER.
1.
Tell me of the angels, mother,And the radiant land
Where my gentle little brother
Joined their happy band;
Oh! I seem to hear their voices
When the night draws near,
And my gladdened soul rejoices
At their accents clear.
2
Tell me of the angels, mother,When God bids us come
Shall we dwell with one another
In their starry home;
Shall we join the tuneful chorus
Far from all alarms,
With no gloomy shadows o'er us
In the Saviour's arms.
3
Tell me of the angels, mother,Crowned with chaplets bright,
Singing hymns that sorrow smother
On their wings of light;
Oh! I long to see them, mother,
And I long to fly
To my dear departed brother
In the azure sky.
HOW HAPPY.
1
How happy are the new-born race,Partakers of adopting grace!
How pure the bliss they share!
Hid from the world and all its eyes,
Within their heart the blessing lies,
And conscience feels it there.
2
The moment we believe, 'tis ours;And if we love with all our powers
The God from whom it came.
And if we serve with hearts sincere,
'Tis still discernable and clear,
An undisputed claim.
3
O messenger of dear delight!Whose voice dispels the deepest night,
Sweet, peace-proclaiming Dove!
With thee at hand to soothe our pains,
No wish unsatisfied remains,
No task but that of love.
350
WHILE WE WORK FOR THE LORD.
1
All around is bright and fairWhile we work for the Lord;
Joy and peace are ev'ry where
While we work for the Lord.
O'er the mountains and the vales,
Softly sigh the pleasant gales,
Breathing nature's hymns of gladness
While we work for the Lord.
Cho.
All around is bright and fair,Joy and peace are every where;
Let our hearts be free from care
While we work for the Lord.
2
Every face with pleasure beamsWhile we work for the Lord;
Every heart with rapture teems
While we work for the Lord;
All the shades of sorrow fly,
Years will never dim the sky,
Light and gladness shine around us
While we work for the Lord.
Cho.
All around, &c.3
Nearer seem those realms aboveWhile we work for the Lord;
Dearer seems our Saviour's love
While we work for the Lord;
Let us raise a grateful voice,
And with earnest hearts rejoice,
For the happiness around us,
While we work for the Lord.
Cho.
All around, &c.350
FOR A WHILE THE HEART GROWS WARM.
A TEMPERANCE SONG.
1
For a while the heart grows warmWhen the wine goes round,
But there lurks a deadly harm
When the wine goes round;
Want and woe will surely come
To your sad neglected home,
Frail and fleeting are the pleasures
When the wine goes round.
Cho.
Mothers pale are left to weep,Cares around their pathway creep.
Sisters lone, their vigils keep
When the wine goes round.
2
Life will fleetly run its raceWhen the wine goes round,
Care will come with steady pace
When the wine goes round;
Joys of health will fly away,
Truth and honor will decay,
All the hopes of life be blighted
When the wine goes round.
Cho.
Mothers pale, &c.380
SITTING BY MY OWN CABIN DOOR
[1]
Through varied scenes of care and strife,I've roam'd the wide world o'er,
But now I calmly glide through life,
While I'm sitting by my own cabin door,
I feel as happy as a king,
And free as the birds that soar,
No sounds of battle round me ring,
While I'm sitting by my own cabin door.
Sitting by my own cabin door,
Sitting by my own cabin door.
[2]
My time of life is waning fastUpon this troubled shore,
But still I smile on days gone past,
While I'm sitting by my own cabin door;
The waves of trouble on the sea,
The whirlwinds on the moor,
Can bring no sorrow now to me,
For I'm sitting by my own cabin door.
Sitting by my own cabin door,
Sitting by my own cabin door.
3
I've had my hours of grief and mirth,And felt the tear drops pour,
But nothing grieves me now on earth,
For I'm sitting by my own cabin door.
The blooming hopes of early days,
May come to me no more,
Yet memory sings me pleasant lays,
While I'm sitting by my own cabin door.
Sitting by my own cabin door—
Sitting by my own cabin door.
388
WHEN DEAR FRIENDS ARE GONE.
Happy hearts may feel no gloom,
Though the night comes on;
But our brightest joys are clouded,
When dear friends are gone:
The fairest hopes may live,
And around the spirit play;
Though dark low'ring vapors throw,
A shadow o'er the day;
But our joys are quickly flown,
And the heart droops alone,
All our hopes are drap'd in sadness,
When dear friends are gone.
Though the night comes on;
But our brightest joys are clouded,
When dear friends are gone:
The fairest hopes may live,
And around the spirit play;
Though dark low'ring vapors throw,
A shadow o'er the day;
But our joys are quickly flown,
And the heart droops alone,
All our hopes are drap'd in sadness,
When dear friends are gone.
Let us turn from grief to mirth,
Brighter days will come;
We can make each other happy,
With sweet smiles at home:
This life is all a change,
Like a fickle April day;
'Tis sunshine then shower
Now we grieve and then were gay
Yet our joys are quickly flown
And the heart droops alone
All our hopes are drap'd in sadness
When dear friends are gone
Brighter days will come;
We can make each other happy,
With sweet smiles at home:
This life is all a change,
Like a fickle April day;
'Tis sunshine then shower
Now we grieve and then were gay
Yet our joys are quickly flown
And the heart droops alone
All our hopes are drap'd in sadness
When dear friends are gone
TELL ME LOVE OF THY EARLY DREAMS
[1]
Tell me love of thy early dreams,How they flitted away?
How they glow'd with the morning beams,
Fading with the day?
Oh! speak of thy childhood's years,
Pleasures now flown,—
All thy innocent smiles and tears,
Where, where have they gone?
[2]
Know'st thou not that the fondest hopesBeam then wither away?
Know'st thou not that the fairest flowers,
Bloom but to decay?
Why, why have hope's brightest beams?
Faded at last;
Where oh where are thy early dreams?
Gone, gone with the past.
399
The Voices That Are Gone
[1]
When the twilight shades fall o'er meAnd the evening star appears
Memory brings the past before me
Joys and sorrows, smiles and tears.
Then again bright eyes are gleaming
With the love once in them shone—
Then like music heard when dreaming
Come the voices that are gone
Chorus.
Once again bright eyes are gleaming with the light that in them shoneThen like music heard when dreaming
Come the voices that are gone.
2.
Sweet as wood dove's note when callingTo her mate as night draws on,
Soft as snow flake lightly falling
Come the voices that are gone.
Voices heard in days of childhood
Softly at the hour of prayer,
Or loud ringing through the wildwood
When the young heart knew no care.
Chorus.
3.
So when life's bright sun is settingAnd its day is well nigh done,
May there be no vain regretting
Over memories I would shun;
But when death is o'er, to meet me
May some much-lov'd forms come on,
And the first sounds that shall greet me
Be the voices that were gone!
Chorus.
412
PRAISE THE LORD!
1.
Let all tongues of every nation,Praise the Lord!
For the gift of free salvation,
Praise the Lord!
FULL CHORUS.
Joyful let our voices rise,In the anthem of the skies,
Let our loud exultant cries,
Now ascend to heaven.
2.
For the blessed Holy Spirit,Praise the Lord!
For the hopes that we inherit,
Praise the Lord!
FULL CHORUS.
Joyful let our voices rise,In the anthem of the skies,
Let our loud exultant cries,
Now ascend to heaven.
3
For our faithful gospel preachers,Praise the Lord!
For our kind efficient teachers,
Praise the Lord!
Cho.—
Joyful. etc.4
All our sins may be forgiven,Praise the Lord!
And a home secured in heaven,
Praise the Lord!
Cho.—
Joyful. etc.ETERNITY!
1
Eternity is just at hand!And shall I waste my ebbing sand,
And careless view departing day.
And throw my inch of time away
2
Eternity!—tremendous sound!To guilty souls a dreadful wound;
But, O, if Christ and heaven be mine,
How sweet the accents! how divine!
3
Be this my chief, my only care,My high pursuit, my ardent prayer—
An interest in the Saviour's blood,
My pardon sealed, my peace with God.
4
Search, Lord, O, search my inmost heart,And light, and hope, and joy impart:
From guilt and error set me free,
And guide me safe to heaven and thee.
414
KISS ME DEAR MOTHER ERE I DIE.
1.
Bend o'er my pillow my mother dearLifes chilling close is now drawing near
Drive from about me these clouds of fear
Breathe o'er my brow a parting sigh,
I have been wayward unto thee
Now I can feel it painfully
Patient and kind wert thou to me
Kiss me dear mother ere I die.
2.
Tell me of angels that dwell aboveThen from my heart will the tear drops move
Whisper to me gentle words of love
While I in gloom and suffring lie,
I have been wayward unto thee
Now I can feel it painfully
Patient and kind wert thou to me
Kiss me dear mother ere I die.
| The Music of Stephen C. Foster . | |