“Adieu to Erin (The Emigrant)”
Description
"Oh when I breathed a last adieu To Erin's vales and mountains blue...." The singer loves Mary, but Mary "deplores" him; he responds by leaving the country. "Can I forget the fateful day... When nought was left me but to say Farewell my love farewell"
Supplemental text
Adieu to Erin (The Emigrant)
Complete text(s)
*** A ***
Adieu to Erin
As found in Gale Huntington, Songs the Whalemen Sang, pp. 255-256.
Transcribed from the journal of William Histed of the Cortes.
Oh, when I breathed a last adieu
To Erin's and mountain blue
When nursed by hope my moments flew
In life's unclouded spring
Though on the breezy deck reclined
I listen to the rising wind
What fetters could restrain the mind
That roved on fancy's wind
She bore me to the woodbine bower
Where oft I passed the twilight hour
Where first I felt love's thrilling power
From Mary's beaming eye
Again I watched her flushing breast
Her honeyed lips again were pressed
Again by sweet confession blest
I drank each melting sigh
Dost thou dear Mary my love deplore
And lone on Erin's emerald shore
In memory trace the love I bore
On all our transports dwell
Can I forget the fateful day
That called me from thy arms away
When nought was left me but to say
Farewell my love farewell
References
- Huntington-Whalemen, pp. 255-256, "Adieu to Erin" (1 text, 1 tune)
- ST SWMS255 (Full)
- Roud #2068
- BI, SWMS255