Kathleen Mavourneen sung by James Bierney

"Kathleen Mavourneen" (1837)
Words by Mrs Crawford
Music by Frederick Nicholls Crouch (1808-1896)
Frederick William Crouch the composer of "Kathleen Mavourneen" was born at Devizes, Wiltshire in 1806.
In 1837 he saw Mrs. Crawford's poem of "Kathleen Mavourneen," which appeared anonymously in the "Metropolitan Magazine," for which she wrote. He then composed his exquisite music. “Kathleen Mavourneen," which should have earned its composer a fortune, was sold to a London music publisher for £10. Crouch's other works which include "O'Donnell's Farewell," "The Emigrant's Lament," "Sing to Me, Nora," and "The Exile of Erin" are hardly ever sung nowadays.
There is some confusion as to who Mrs Crawford was? Some say it was the poetess Annie Crawford who published many verses in magazines and periodicals. Other say that it was Julia Crawford, who came from Co. Cavan - this would seem the most likely as she was the wife of the composer!
The Irish soprano Catherine Hayes (1818-1861) sang the song often in Ireland, Britain and America - in fact, it became her signature tune. She sang it for Queen Victoria and over 500 royal guests during a performance at Buckingham Palace in June 1849.
The great John McCormack recorded the song in 1911 and 1927. He sang "Kathleen Mavourneen" in concert and on the radio - to tremendous acclaim.
This song has been known to reduce listeners to tears - especially if they are Irish. We'll, with a wonderful melody and exquisite words, why wouldn't it!
The plight of parted lovers is a common one and is usually the voice of the man, who has left the girl behind. This sad theme must have added to the songs popularity in America and this beautiful song of love, loss and longing must have been especially moving to Americans immediately after the Civil War.
Kathleen Mavourneen! the grey dawn is breaking,
The horn of the hunter is heard on the hill,
The lark from her light wing the bright dew is shaking,
Kathleen Mavourneen, what slumbering still?
Oh! hast thou forgotten how soon we must sever?
Oh! hast thou forgotten this day we must part,
It may be for years, and it may be forever,
Oh! why art thou silent thou voice of my heart?
It may be for years, and it may be forever,
Then why art thou silent Kathleen Mavourneen?
Kathleen Mavourneen! awake from thy slumbers,
The blue mountains glow m the sun's golden light;
Ah! where is the spell that once hung on thy numbers?
Arise in thy beauty, thou star of the night.
Mavourneen! Mavourneen! my sad tears are falling,
To think that from Enn and thee I must part,
It may be for years, and it may be forever,
Oh! why art thou silent thou voice of my heart?
It may be for years, and it may be forever,
Then why art thou silent Kathleen Mavourneen?

[@paddymoran7418]

Very smooth James 🎶

[@EmeryJBaines]

Thanks Paddy!

[@barryoneill7441]

Very nice sir ❤

[@EmeryJBaines]

Thank you!!!