Historic Sheet Music Collection

Authors

Henry Russell

Document Type

Score

Publication Date

1841

Comments

(Third Edition)
The Old Arm Chair
Words by Eliza Cook
Music by Henry Russell

Publisher not identified.

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 love it, I love it, and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old arm chair,
I've treasured it as a holy prize,
I've be-dew'd it with tears, and embalmed it with sighs;
'Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart,
Not a tie will break, not a link will start;
Would ye learn the spell, a mother sat there,
And a sacred thing is that old arm chair.

I sat and watch'd her many a day,
When her eye grew dim, and her locks were grey;
And I almost worshipp'd her when she smil'd
And turn'd from her bible to bless her child.
Years rolled on, but the last one sped-
My idol was shattered, my earth star fled;
I learnt how much the heart can bear,
When I saw her die in that old arm chair.

'Tis past! 'tis past! but I gaze on it now,
With quivering breath, and throbbing brow;
'Twas there she nursed me, 'twas there she died;
And mem'ry flows with lava tide.
Say it is folly, and deem me weak,
While the scalding drops start down my cheek;
But I love it, I love it, and cannot tear
My soul from a mother's old arm chair.

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