Annotation:Mary O'Hara (2)

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MARY O'HARA [2]. Irish, Air (3/4 time). E Flat Major. Standard tuning (fiddle). ABB. The air was married by Dr. Hudson to the words below for this publication of The Dublin Magazine (1842), as he states in his notes to the song:

The air we now have to present to our musical readers is another gem from that rare cabinet, "Miscellaneous Collection," which suited the plaintive character of Callanan's lines so admirably, that we ha no difficulty in at once determining that, as they almost seemed to be made for one another, it was our duty to unite them; and we trust the charms of each will be enhanced by their being heard together.

"Mary O'Hara"
Though dark fate hath reft me of all that was sweet,
And widely we sever,--too widely to meet,
Oh! yet while one life pulse remains in this heart,
'Twill remember thee, Mary, wherever thou art.

How sad were the glances at parting we threw,
No word could we speak, but the stifled adieu,
My lips o'er thy cold cheek all raptureless passed,
'Twas the first time I pressed it--it must be the last.

But why should I dwell thus on scenes that but pain,
Or think on thee, Mary, when thinking is vain?
Thy name to this bosom now sounds like a knell;
My fond one--my dear one--for ever--farewell!

Source for notated version:

Printed sources: The Dublin Magazine, November, 1842; No. 38.

Recorded sources:

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