Oft in the Stilly Night

Back

Home

A song that I, your Clan Piper, particularly like was written by Irishman Thomas Moore, and set to music by Sir John Stevenson, in 1818. In my mind, I picture an older person in the Fall of their life enjoying the lingering heat of the fireplace as night approaches. Deep in thought, this person remembers a bygone time. I heard the tune played on the Bagpipes at the Queen Mum's funeral. I was captivated and just had to learn it. Several years later our church Choir Director and I performed the song -- she sang and I accompanied her on the pipes. No recording of that performance is available, but Sarah Brightman has an excellent rendition on one of her CDs. So, press the Play button and scroll the page manually to view the lyrics. Enjoy!

Oft, in the stilly night, Ere Slumber's chain has bound me, Fond Memory brings the light Of other days around me. The smiles, the tears, Of childhood's years, The words of love then spoken; The eyes that shone, Now dimm'd and gone, The cheerful heart now broken! When I remember all The friends, so link'd together, I've seen around me fall Like leaves in wintry weather; I feel like one, Who treads alone Some banquet-hall deserted, Whose lights are fled, Whose garlands dead, And all but me departed! Thus, in the stilly night, Ere Slumber's chain hath bound me, Sad Memory brings the light Of other days around me.