American Old Time Song Lyrics: 14 The Origin Of The Harp

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 14

THE ORIGIN OF THE HARP.

'Tis believed that this harp, which I wake now for thee,
Was a siren of old, who sung under the sea,
And who often at eve through the bright waters roved,
To meet on the green shore a youth whom she loved.

But she loved him in vain, for he left her to weep,
And in tears all the night her gold tresses to steep;
Till heaven looked with pity on true love so warm,
And changed to this harp the sea-maiden's form.

Still her bosom rose fair, still her cheeks smiled the same,
While her sea-beauties gracefully formed the light frame;
And her hair, as let loose o'er her white arm it fell,
Was changed to bright chords uttering melody's spell. -

Hence it came that this soft harp so long hath been known
To mingle love's language with sorrow's sad tone;
'Till thou didst divide them and teach the fond lay,
To speak love when I'm near thee, and grief when away.