American Old Time Song Lyrics: 36 The Old Family Circle
Theater, Music-Hall, Nostalgic, Irish & Historic Old Songs, Volume 36
THE OLD FAMILY CIRCLE.
Copyright, 1892, by A. M. Hall.
Words and Music by Wm. Dowling.
There's a sweet thought comes to mind, 'tis in mem'ry's wreath entwined,
And it brings before my gaze, bright scenes of yore;
Happy days that long have past, blissful hours too sweet to last,
But still they'll cling to mem'ry ever more.
In my dreaming now I see, each lov'd spot of childish glee,
And a dear old face with happiness aglow;
Neath a mother's tender care, naught but love and peace was there,
In the dear old family circle, long ago.
Chorus.
In the fire-light's flickering gleam, now I sit and sweetly dream,
While my fancy forms the pictures in the glow;
I can see the one most dear, whose kind words then would cheer,
In the dear old family circle, long ago.
Ah, 'twas then the future years, were no cause for doubt or fears,
For what were they when happiness was nigh?
Still the day will come to all, when a sadness must befall,
That will bring the tears of sorrow to our eye.
I remember well the day, when they gently bore away,
That one whose like on earth I'll never know;
Ev'ry heart was filled with pain, for the love we'd ne'er regain,
In the dear old family circle long ago.- Chorus.