American Old Time Song Lyrics: 24 Oh, Leave Not Your Kathleen

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 24

Oh, Leave Not Your Kathleen.
Copyright, 1869, by D. P. Faulds.
Words by A. G. Chase. Music by Frank H. King.

Oh, leave not your Kathleen to cross the dark sea,
For she will be lonely, she cares but for thee:
The scenes that were bright will fade from her view,
Oh, say you'll not leave me for scenes that are new;
Oh, why do you leave the land of your birth,
The sweet land of shamrock, the home of your youth?
'Tis an emerald that glistens in the bright sunlight's gleam,
When away you'll forget her And your darling, Kathleen.

Oh, leave not your Kathleen, your Colleen Bawn,
She'll be broken-hearted when from her you're gone;
Her eyes will grow dim, the smile lose its beam,
The blush on her fair cheek will lose its soft gleam.
Oh, stay by her side and pass the sweet hours,
Together we'll wander in Killarney's green bowers;
Oh, think not from Erin there's a far brighter scene,
And leave not her shores and your darling, Kathleen.

Oh, have you forgotten your own Colleen Bawn,
And the days when we strolled on the beach and the lawn?
'Twas then you first told me of love's winning powers,
When beside the still stream we plucked the wild flowers.
And now you would leave me to wander afar,
And forget your Kathleen and Erin-go-Bragh;
No kind heart will cheer her if now we must sever,
When you part from your Kathleen we're parted forever.