Love's Old Sweet Song

By James Lynam Molloy and G. Clifton Bingham
1884

Before sound recording technology and the era of the popular standard, there was the era of sheet music and the Victorian parlour song, during which popular songs were written to be sung and performed in homes. One of the most enduring songs to emerge from that era was this tender, sentimental ballad from Irishman James Molloy, which has gone on to achieve folk song status. The lilting love song was especially popular with sailors, and even featured in James Joyce's classic novel Ulysses. It's referenced in the early 20th century song "Moonlight Bay" and its popularity endured well into the 20th century, even being commonly taught to schoolchildren.

Lyrics:

Once in the dear dead days beyond recall,
When on the world the mists began to fall,
Out of the dreams that rose in happy throng
Low to our hearts Love sang an old sweet song;
And in the dusk where fell the firelight gleam,
Softly it wove itself into our dream.

Just a song a twilight, when the lights are low,
And the flickering shadows softly come and go,
Tho' the heart be weary, sad the day and long,
Still to us at twilight comes Love's old song,
Comes Love's old sweet song.

Even today we hear Love's song of yore,

Deep in our hearts it dwells forevermore.
Footsteps may falter, weary grow the way,
Still we can hear it at the close of day.
So till the end, when life's dim shadows fall,
Love will be found the sweetest song of all.

Just a song a twilight, when the lights are low,
And the flickering shadows softly come and go,
Tho' the heart be weary, sad the day and long,
Still to us at twilight comes Love's old song,
Comes Love's old sweet song.

Recorded By:

John McCormack
Bing Crosby
Corrine Morgan
Clara Butt
The Mills Brothers