| Thomas Haynes Bayly | |
|---|---|
| Born | 13 October 1797 |
| Died | 22 April 1839 (aged 41) |
| Nationality | English |
| Occupation | poet, songwriter, dramatist and miscellaneous writer |
Thomas Haynes Bayly (13 October 1797 – 22 April 1839) was an English poet, songwriter, dramatist, and miscellaneous writer.
The son of a wealthy lawyer in Bath, Bayly intended to become an attorney like his father, but he changed his mind and thought of entering the church, but he abandoned this idea also and gave himself to writing for the stage and the periodical press. He is chiefly known for his songs (of which he wrote hundreds) which, set to the music of Bishop and other eminent composers, found universal acceptance. Some were set to his own music. He also wrote several novels and a number of farces. Although making a large income from his writings, in addition to that of his wife, he encountered financial problems.
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. Except for Thomas Moore (1779–1852), Bayly is regarded as the most popular song writer of his time.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain : Cousin, John William (1910). A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature. London, J. M. Dent & Sons; New York, E. P. Dutton.