A 1861 popular song. Elvis Presley’s “Love Me Tender” uses this melody.
words by William Whiteman Fosdick
music by George R. Poulton
arranged by Joseph Kelp
The sheet music:
Accompaniment by American Dreams Stephen Foster:
Lyrics
- When the blackbird in the Spring, ‘neath the willow tree
Sat and rocked, I heard him sing, singing Aura Lea!
Aura Lea! Aura Lea! maid of golden hair
Sunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air
Chorus
Aura Lea! Aura Lea! maid of golden hair
Sunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air
- In thy blush the rose was born, music, when you spake
In thine azure eye the morn, sparkling, seemed to break
Aura Lea, Aura Lea, take my golden ring
Love and life return with thee, and swallows in the Spring - Aura Lea! the bird may flee, the willow’s golden hair
Swing through winter fitfully, on the stormy air
Yet if thy blue eyes I see, gloom will soon depart
For to me, sweet Aura Lea, is sunshine through the heart - When the mistletoe was green, midst the winter’s snows
Sunshine in thy face was seen, kissing lips of rose
Aura Lea, Aura Lea, take my golden ring
Love and light return with thee, and swallows with the Spring
Sung here by Fred Feild: