Historic Sheet Music Collection

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1820

Comments

I'd be a Butterfly
Words and Music by Thomas Haines Bailey

Boston: Published by Oliver Ditson (115 Washington St.)

Some of these 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 the 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'd be a Butterfly born in a bow'r,
Where Roses and LILIES and VIOLETS meet;
Roving forever from
Flower to flower, and kissing all buds that are pretty and sweet.
I'd never languish for wealth or for power,
I'd never sigh to see slaves at my feet,
I'd be a Butterfly
I'd be a Butterfly kissing all buds that are pretty and sweet
Oh cou'd I pilfer the wand of a fairy,
I'd have a pair of those beautiful wings;
Their summer day's ramble is a sportive and airy,
They sleep in a rose when the Nightingale sings.
Those who have wealth must be watchful and wary,
Power alas! nought but misery brings
I'd be a Butterfly sportive and airy
Rock'd in a Rose when the Nightingale sings.
I'd be a Butterfly Rock'd in a Rose when the Nightingale sings.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.