American Old Time Song Lyrics: 15 Many Happy Returns Of The Day

Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 15

Many Happy Returns of the Day.

Merry words, merry words, ye come bursting around,
Telling all that affection can say;
'Tis the music of heart-cords that dwell in the sound,
Many happy returns of the day.
The red cheek of the child is more rich In its glow,
And the bright eye more swift in its ray,
When its mutes hail its birth, in their holiday mirth,
With "happy returns of the day."

But if midst the greetings there's one that we miss,
And that One was dearer than all,
'Tis then we feel lonely in a moment like this,
When our loudly hailed birthday shall fall.
What would we not give if the hour could restore
The dear form that is far, far away;
If the voice of the loved one could wish us once more
Many happy returns of the day?

The old man may smile while he listens, and feels
He hath little time longer to stay;
Still he loveth to hear from lips that are dear,
Many happy returns of the day.
Then a garland, a bumper, a feast and a song,
Let the natal tide come when it may;
Be it Autumn or Spring, a gay chorus we'll sing,
Many happy returns of the day.