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| His First Love |
This old song entitled "Aura Lea" is one of the best. The lyricist was W. W. Fosdick, esq. and the composer was G. R. Poulton. This song was very popular with the Union soldiers as well as the Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Many nights, both sides would be camped so close to each other, they could hear the other side singing. Sometimes one side or the other would begin singing songs such as "Aura Lea." Then the other side would pick it up. Before long they were singing and harmonizing together.
They knew that tomorrow they would be aiming their guns at each other and death would again prevail. However, for a few brief moments there was a camaraderie as thoughts of home and sweethearts pushed away the horrors of war.
In our own time, the music was popularized by a young troubadour from Memphis, Tennessee with the name, Elvis Presley. His song was entitled, "Love Me Tender." Male Barber Shop choruses and quartets love to sing this old tune. They sometimes sing both versions and call it a medley of one song. I hope the words remind you of sweethearts long ago as well as the sweetheart you chose to be your lifelong companion.
Pleasant Reveries.
Copyright © Jay D Weaver - May 20, 2006
In thy blush the rose was born
Music when you spake
Through thine azure eye the morn
Sparkling seemed to break.
Aura Lea, Aura Lea
Bird of crimson wing
Never song have sung to me
In that sweet spring.
Aura Lea! The bird may flee
The willows golden hair
Swing through winter fitfully
On the stormy air.
Yet if thy blue eyes I see
Gloom will soon depart
For to me, sweet Aura Lea
Is sunshine through the heart.
When the mistletoe was green
Midst the winter's snows
Sunshine in thy face was seen
Kissing lips of rose.
Aura Lee, Aura Lea
Take my golden ring
Love and light return with thee
And swallows with the spring.