The Ash Grove

Lore: None Arrangement: Any Range: Any Attribution: Irish Folk Notes: None

Lyrics: Down yonder green valley where streamlets meander When twilight is fading I pensively rove. Or at the bright noontide in solitude wander Amid the dark shades of the lonely ash grove. Twas there while the blackbird was cheerfully singing I first met that dear one, the joy of my heart. Around us as for gladness the bluebells were ringing Ah! then little thought I how soon we should part.

Still glows the bright sunshine o'er valley and mountain, Still warbles the blackbird its note from the tree; Still trembles the moonbeam on streamlet and fountain, But what are the beauties of Nature to me? With sorrow, deep sorrow, my heart is laden, All day I go wandering in search of my love! Ye echoes! oh tell me, where is the bright loved one? "He sleeps 'neath the green turf down by the Ash Grove."

The ash grove, how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking, The wind through it playing has language for me. Whenever the light through its branches is breaking A host of kind faces is gazing on me. The friends of my childhood again are before me, Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam. With soft whispers laden its leaves rustle o'er me, The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.

My laughter is over, my step loses lightness, Old countryside measures steal soft on my ear; I only remember the past and its brightness, The dear ones I long for again gather here. From out of the shadows their loving looks greet me And wistfully searching the leafy green dome, I find other faces fond bending to greet me, The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.

My lips smile no more, my heart loses its lightness No dream of my future my spirit can cheer; I only can brood on the past and its brightness, The dead I have mourned are again living here. From ev'ry dark nook they press forward to meet me; I lift up my eyes to the broad leafy dome, And others are there looking downward to greet me; The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.