An elegant, sentimental English ballad, 1833.
words and music by Thomas Haynes Bayly
A lover of long ago has returned to renew old ties. The singer wants desperately to believe that old feelings have been retained. She appears to accept him. This was an early wistful, nostalgic love song of which there were many in the 1890s. The sheet music and description was found in the book Popular Songs of 19th Century America.
The sheet music:
Accompaniment track:
Lyrics
- Tell me the tales that to me were so dear
Long long ago, long long ago
Sing me the songs I delighted to hear
Long long ago, long ago
Now you are come all my grief is removed
Let me forget that so long you have roved
Let me believe that you love as you loved
Long long ago, long ago - Do you remember the path where we met
Long long ago, long long ago
Ah yes you told me you ne’er would forget
Long long ago, long ago
Then to all others my smile you prefered
Love when you spoke gave a charm to each word
Still my heart treasures the praises I heard
Long long ago, long ago - Though by your kindness my fond hopes were raised
Long long ago, long, long ago
You by more eloquent lips have been praised
Long long ago, long ago
But by long absence your truth has been tried
Still to your accents I listen with pride
Blest as I was when I sat by your side
Long long ago, long ago
Sung here by Fred Feild: