Thomas Haynes Bayly

Thomas Haynes Bayly was born at Bath, England on October 13, 1797. He was the only child of Nathaniel Bayly, who intended for him to study law. He had talent, however, for writing and drama. He would later publish volumes of poetry, simple songs, a novel titled “The Aylmers”, and many stage pieces including the successful play “Perfection”. Most of his works were quickly successful and popular. He married and had three children, one boy and two girls. He had financial difficulties, mostly due to a bad investment, which weighed him down and necessitated his writing even more to support his family. He suffered from a brain fever, which kept him from writing an important commission. He recovered, but fell ill again and died on April 22, 1839. His best known songs include “Old House at Home”, “I’d be a Butterfly”, “Oh, no, we never mention him”, “She wore a Wreath of Roses”, “The Mistletoe Bough” and “Long, Long Ago”. The last of these was published after his death and became the most popular song in America in 1843.

Long, Long Ago (This is the version in Suzuki Book 2.)
Jennifer Jeon, Violinist

The lyrics for Long, Long Ago:

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago,
Sing me the songs I delighted to hear,
Long, long ago, long ago,
Now you are come all my grief is removed,
Let me forget that so long you have roved.
Let me believe that you love as you loved,
Long, long ago, long ago.

Do you remember the paths where we met?
Long, long ago, long, long ago.
Ah, yes, you told me you'd never forget,
Long, long ago, long ago.
Then to all others, my smile you preferred,
Love, when you spoke, gave a charm to each word.
Still my heart treasures the phrases I heard,
Long, long ago, long ago.

Tho' by your kindness my fond hopes were raised,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.
You by more eloquent lips have been praised,
Long, long ago, long, long ago,
But, by long absence your truth has been tried,
Still to your accents I listen with pride,
Blessed as I was when I sat by your side.
Long, long ago, long ago.