I'll take you home again, Kathleen sung by James Bierney

In 1875, George W. Persley, a successful songwriter, wrote a song entitled "Barney, Take Me Home Again" and dedicated it to his friend Thomas P. Westendorf. The words of "Barney, Take Me Home Again," sung by Barney's (unnamed) wife, tell of her longing to return to her home beyond the sea. Westendorf was so taken by the song that he wrote e a song imagining Barney's response, "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen." Westendorf, as a songwriter, was a beginner while Persley was an old pro, but it was "Kathleen" which became the more successful song. It inspired several answer songs during the period, and is still well known today. The song launched Westendorf on a career as a successful songwriter, though he never produced another song with the poignancy and melodic charm of his first song. There is no specific reference to Ireland in either of these songs, nor is there a trace of Irish accent in the lyrics. Yet "Barney" and "Kathleen" are both names used regularly for Irish characters, and the tradition of Irish singers longing for their homeland was a very strong one. It is hard not to see why the two songs were considered "Irish" songs, especially as they were taken to the hearts of the Irish at home and abroad and the fact that Ireland is not mentioned made no difference to many Irish people then and since. The very name "Kathleen" in the title and the longing for home across the sea was enough to make it Irish.
I'll take you home again, Kathleen,
Across the ocean wild and wide,
To where your heart has ever been,
Since first you were my bonny bride.
The roses all have left your cheek,
I've watched them fade away and die;
Your voice is sad when e'er you speak,
And tears bedim your loving eyes.
Oh! I will take you back, Kathleen,
To where your heart will feel no pain,
And when the fields are fresh and green,
I'll take you to your home again.
I know you love me, Kathleen, dear,
Your heart was ever fond and true:
I always feel when you are near
That life holds nothing, dear, but you.
The smiles that once you gave to me
I scarcely ever see them now,
Though many, many times I see
A dark'ning shadow on your brow.

[@barryoneill7441]

Very nice ❤

[@EmeryJBaines]

Thank you very much!

[@mariadelourdestome4667]

❤