The Old Refrain

 I came across this old Irish Song on "As Time Goes By and thought it had interesting lyrics, so I thought I would share it. On the link, you can listen to the melody and sing along with Fritz as he plays on his violin.Thoughts about grower older are the theme. 

Here is another perspective on ageing by Lola, in which she says, "One of the best books on aging I've read is Helen M. Luke's "Old Age" in which she uses literature (King Lear, the Odyssey, etc) to illustrate the point that one cannot continue to do and be the same person one was in midlife. She says old age is about something other than being and doing big things. It is about assimilation and reflection and reconciliation, it is a more internal process."

Author: Fritz Kreisler        

I often think of home Dee-ol-ee-ay 
When I am all alone and far away;
I sing an old refrain, dee-ol-ee-ay 
For it recalls to me a bygone day
It takes me back again to meadows fair 
Where sunlight's golden rays beam everywhere

My childhood joys again come back to me 
My mother's face in fancy too I see 
It was my mother taught me how to sing 
And to that memory my heart will cling 
I'm never sad and alone while on my way 
As long as I can sing Dee-ol-ee-ay

Though years have passed and gone, dee-ol-ee-ay 
And though my heart is young my head is grey. 
Yet still the echoes ring, dee-ol-ee-ay 
And dear old memories forever stay. 
This song will bring me visions full of light 
And sweetest dreams throughout the darkest night

Of all that life can give, that song is best
I'll take it with me when I go to rest 
And when at last my journey here is o'er 
'Twill ring more joyfully than e'er before 
For up to heavens I will take my lay 
The angels, too, will sing dee-ol-ee-ay