Thomas Moore was an Irish poet, singer and songwriter best remembered for the lyrics of The Minstrel Boy and The Last Rose of Summer, and Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms.
He began writing these song lyrics to a series of Irish tunes, best known as Irish Melodies.
They became hugely popular, and the three songs above are still regularly performed today.
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Believe me, if all those endearing young charms
Which I gaze on so fondly to-day,
Were to change by to-morrow and fleet in my arms,
Like fairy gifts fading away.
Thou wouldst still be adored as this moment thou art,
Let thy loveliness fade as it will,
And around the dear ruin each wish of my heart,
Would entwine itself verdantly still.
Background and meaning of Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms
Selection of videos of the song here
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Ask a woman’s advice, and whatever she advises,
Do the very reverse and you’re sure to be wise.
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Metaphor for our final days – The Last Rose of Summer
Background and meaning of The Last Rose of Summer
Videos of the song from Celtic Woman, Clannad and the Fureys
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From plants that wake when others sleep, from timid jasmine buds that keep their odour to themselves all day, but when the sunlight dies away let the delicious secret out to every breeze that roams about.
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The Minstrel Boy ranks alongside Danny Boy as one of the most internationally celebrated and widely recorded Irish songs of all time.
The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone<
In the ranks of death you’ll find him,
His father’s sword he has girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him.
Background and meaning of The Minstrel Boy
Selection of videos of the song here
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The Meeting of the Waters is the name of a well known beauty spot in the Vale of Avoca in Co Wicklow in Ireland – it’s where the river Avonmore and Avonbeg meet and flow together to form the River Avoca.
There is not in the wide world a valley so sweet
As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet.
Full background and meaning of The Meeting of the Waters
Selection of videos of the song here
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Full background and meaning of these songs and a selection of videos of each of them;
Last Rose of Summer
The Minstrel Boy
Believe me, if all those endearing young charms
The Meeting of the Waters
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