Dawning of the Day lyrics
Mary FahlThis morning early I walked on
While my darling was in a dream
The last sweet days of summer bloomed
And dressed the trees in green
When soaring high in the gleaming sky
From far across the bay
Came a fearsome roar from a distant shore
On the dawning of the day
Then I called my men to follow me
Knowing well that the view was dim
Though tired and worn, how they fought all morn'
As time was closing in
And my heart was sad but sore with pride
For brave lads all were they
For as angels fly, how they climbed so high
On the dawning of the day
But the edge is moving nearer now
Inside the fading sun
And calling, calling out to them
My brothers, one by one
But only dusty silence sounds
The ashes float away
As the twilight ends and the night descends
'Til the dawning of the day
Forgive me love, I'm going now
So very far away
When darkness falls, only think me near
And do not be afraid
And please don't grieve that I am gone
Abide in what remains
'Til the shadows end and we meet again
On the dawning of the day
For when shadows end, we shall meet again
On the dawning of the day
Song Details
"The Dawning of the Day," also known in Irish as Fáinne Geal an Lae, is a traditional Irish folk song with a long and multifaceted history. It is closely associated with Irish culture and has seen different interpretations over time.
Composer: Traditional Irish Air
Lyrics and Origin: The original Irish lyrics are attributed to an anonymous 18th-century poem, which Edward Walsh translated into English for his 1847 collection Irish Popular Songs. The poem describes a morning walk by the shores of Lough Lene, where the poet encounters a beautiful maiden
Musical Adaptations: The melody is widely recognized as a slow air and has been used for other famous Irish songs, such as "Raglan Road." It has also been adapted for marches and instrumental pieces, highlighting its versatility in traditional music.
Brief: A love song about a soldier leaving his home and everything dear to him to fight in a war, and the impending tragedy of lives lost and hearts broken. He asks that she not grieve for him and appreciate what she has left... "and please don't grieve that I am gone - abide in what remains".
Genre: Irish Folk Song
Covers: Makem & Clancy, John McCormack, The Corries, Luke Kelly...
Featured Artist - Mary Fahl: Born Mary Faldermeyer on July 1, 1958 in Rockland County, NY, U.S. to Irish/German parents. She is a singer/songwriter, guitarist and actress. She was associated with the band, October Project from 1990-1996 and then pursued a solo and acting career from 2001 to the present.
Album: Love & Gravity (Oct 15, 2013)
References
- The Dawning of the Day - Wikipedia
- Edward Walsh - Dictionary of Irish Biography
- Dawning of the Day (1) (The): Annotations Traditional Tune Archive.
