Through the Long Days

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”Through the Long Days” is a song written by the English composer Edward Elgar in 1885 as his Op.16, No.2. The words are by the American writer Col. John Hay.

The song was composed in August 1885, when Elgar was on holiday at the home of his friend Dr. Charles Buck at Settle in Yorkshire. It was first published in 1887, and dedicated to the Rev. E. Vine Hall. It was re-published as one of the ‘’Seven Lieder of Edward Elgar ‘’ (with English and German words) in 1907.

[edit] Lyrics

Through the long days and years
What will my lov'd one be,
Parted from me?
Through the long days and years.


Always as then she was
Loveliest, brightest, best,
Blessing and blest,
Always as then she was.


Never on earth again
Shall I before her stand,
Touch lip or hand
Never on earth again.


But, while my darling lives,
Peaceful I journey on,
Not quite alone,
Not while my darling lives,
While my darling lives.


 • Elgar expanded the original poem, which had just the first three lines of each verse.

[edit] References

  • Kennedy, Michael, Portrait of Elgar (Oxford University Press, 1968) ISBN 0193154145
  • Moore, Jerrold N. “Edward Elgar: a creative life” (Oxford University Press, 1984) ISBN 0193154471