Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, I'M SADDEST WHEN I SING, by THOMAS HAYNES BAYLY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I'M SADDEST WHEN I SING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You think I have a merry heart
Last Line: I'm saddest when I sing!
Alternate Author Name(s): Bayly, Nathaniel Thomas Haynes
Subject(s): Grief; Singing & Singers; Sorrow; Sadness; Songs


YOU think I have a merry heart,
Because my songs are gay;
But, oh! they all were taught to me
By friends now far away;
The bird retains his silver note,
Though bondage chains his wing;
His song is not a happy one, --
I'm saddest when I sing!

I heard them first in that sweet home
I never more shall see,
And now each song of joy has got
A plaintive turn for me!
Alas! 'tis vain in winter time
To mock the songs of spring,
Each note recalls some wither'd leaf, --
I'm saddest when I sing!

Of all the friends I used to love,
My harp remains alone,
Its faithful voice still seems to be
An echo of my own:
My tears, when I bend over it,
Will fall upon its string,
Yet those who hear me, little think
I'm saddest when I sing!





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