Digital Commons @ Connecticut College

Title

I Cannot Sing the Old Songs

Authors

Claribel

Document Type

Score

Links to Recordings at the Internet Archive

https://archive.org/details/78_i-cannot-sing-the-old-songs_mckee-trio-claribel_gbia0033573b

Publication Date

1876

Comments

I Cannot Sing the Old Songs
Ballad
Words and Music by Claribel

New York. Published by J.L.Peters 843 Broadway

Some of the resources may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes. Such materials should be seen in the context of the time period and as a reflection of attitudes of the time. The items are part of the historical record, and do not represent the views of the libraries or the institution.

Lyrics

I cannot sing the old songs
I sung long years ago
For heart and voice would fail me
And foolish tears would flow
For bygone hours come o'er my heart
With each familiar strain
I cannot sing the old songs
Or dream those dreams again
I cannot sing the old songs
Or dream those dreams again

I cannot sing the old songs
Their charm is sad and deep
Their melodies would waken
Old sorrows from their sleep
And tho' all unforgotten still
And sadly sweet they be
I cannot sing the old songs
They are to dear to me
I cannot sing the old songs
They are to dear to me

I cannot sing the old songs
For visions come again
Of golden dreams departed
And years of weary pain
Perhaps when earthly fetters
Shall have my spirit free
My voice may know the old songs
For all eternity
My voice may know the old songs
For all eternity

Recommended Citation

Claribel, "I Cannot Sing the Old Songs" (1876). Historic Sheet Music Collection. 606.
https://digitalcommons.conncoll.edu/sheetmusic/606