Monday, September 15, 2008

Music Monday

I'm surprised I haven't played anything by Stephen Foster yet, because he is one of the best song writers of all time as far as I am concerned. This guy wrote some of the prettiest tunes. The music is simple in many ways, but so moving. And if the music weren't enough, the words he penned are deeply touching also. Put the two together and you have songs that border on perfection. I have so many favorites, but today I've chosen Beautiful Dreamer. I searched youtube and found all kinds of versions. Choral, banjo, a creepy music box, vocal solo, piano, etc. None of them sounded just the way I wanted. The closest one is the guitarist I chose below. Still, he doesn't play it just as I would exactly. But it is enjoyable enough. Here are the words:

Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me,
Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee;
Sounds of the rude world heard in the day,
Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'd away!

Beautiful dreamer, queen of my song,
List while I woo thee with soft melody;
Gone are the cares of life's busy throng.

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!
Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful dreamer, out on the sea,
Mermaids are chaunting the wild lorelie;
Over the streamlet vapors are borne,
Waiting to fade at the bright coming morn.

Beautiful dreamer, beam on my heart,
E'en as the morn on the streamlet and sea;
Then will all clouds of sorrow depart,

Beautiful dreamer, awake unto me!

Beautiful Dreamer (1862)

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