The most famous song of the nineteenth century, 1823.
words by John Howard Payne
music by Henry Rowley Bishop
This genteel, vaguely “classical” piece was used as a good-night/closing song at the end of many evening functions during the 1800s. All would join in with robust voice. Because of this it became very well-known and well-loved. It can be found in Richard Jackson’s book Popular Song of 19th Century America. Midi and mp3 are found online at the Stephen Foster American Dreams website.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment track:
Lyrics
- ‘Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam
Be it ever so humble there’s no place like home
A charm from the skies seems to hallow us there
Which seek through the world, is ne’er met with elsewhere
Chorus
Home! home! sweet, sweet home!
There’s no place like home!
There’s no place like home!
- An exile from home, splendor dazzles in vain
Oh, give me my lowly thatched cottage again
The birds singing gaily that came at my call
Give me them with the peace of mind, dearer than all
Sung here by Fred Feild: