Kathleen Mavourneen lyrics
John GaryKathleen Mavourneen the gray dawn is breaking
The horn of the hunter is heard on the hill
The lark from her light wing the bright dew is shaking
Kathleen Mavourneen what slumbering still
Oh have you forgotten how soon we must sever?
Oh have you forgotten this day we must part?
It may be for years and it may be forever
Oh why are you silent thou voice of my heart?
It may be for years and it may be forever;
Then why are you silent Kathleen Mavourneen?
Kathleen Mavourneen awake from thy slumbers
The blue mountains glow in the sun's golden light
Ah! Where is the spell that once hung on my slumbers?
Arise in thy beauty thou star of my night
Mavourneen, Mavourneen my sad tears are falling
To think that from Erin and thee I must part
It may be for years and it may be forever
Then why are you silent thou voice of my heart
It may be for years, and it may be forever;
Then why are you silent, Kathleen Mavourneen?
Song Details
Composer: Frederick Crouch (1837)
Lyricist: Marion Crawford
Brief: The song was very popular during the American Civil War and is a love song about a man who is leaving his beloved to go off to war and doesn't know when or if he will return.
This version by John Gary has 2 verses but I have included all 4 verses. John Gary has also replaced 'why art thou' with 'why are you' which is more in keeping with modern-day trends.
References:
"Mavourneen" is a term of endearment derived from the Irish Gaelic mo mhuirnín, meaning "my beloved."
Category: Irish Folk
Covers: John Gary (featured), Gettysburg, John McCormack, Brendan O'Dowda, The Shamrock Singers, Derek Warfield (instrumental), John O'Neill, Jim Reynolds (instr), Frank Patterson, The Charmers, Cavan O'Connor, Michael Jovovich, William Shields...
Album: A Little Bit Of Heaven (Jan 1, 1965)
