Working through a list of music hall songs, this one appeared. I have sung it before using my guitar for accompaniment, but I did that one about seven or eight years ago when using a webcam for recording and it was not particularly good as the microphone did not react well if the volume of my voice rose, so I have decided to do a new version and this time use my autoharp.
The song, despite popular belief is not an Irish song, but was written by an American of German extraction, Thomas P Westendorf. He wrote it reputedly for his wife, although her name was Jennie, not Kathleen. Incidentally, he also wrote \"Gold Watch and Chain\" another song in my autoharp playlist.
(I have not played this before on the autoharp, and made a bit of a hash of the ending in the first verse, but thereafter managed to find the correct chord bars)
I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen
Words: Thomas P. Westendorf to music based on a traditional Irish tune
G Am D7 G D7 C G
I'll take you home again, Kathleen across the ocean wild and wide
Am D7 G A D
To where your heart has ever been since first you were my bonnie bride.
C G D7 G
The roses all have left your cheek. I've watched them fade away and die
Em A D7
Your voice is sad when e'er you speak and tears bedim your loving eyes.
Chorus
D7 G Am G D7 C G
Oh! I will take you back, Kathleen to where your heart will feel no pain
G7 C G Am D7 C Cm G
And when the fields are fresh and green I'll take you to your home again!
G Am D7 G D7 C G
I know you love me, Kathleen dear, your heart was ever fond and true.
Am D7 G A D
I always feel when you are near that life holds nothing, dear, but you.
C G D7 G
The smiles that once you gave to me I scarcely ever see them now
Em A D7
Though many, many times I see a dark'ning shadow on your brow.
G Am D7 G D7 C G
To that dear home beyond the sea my Kathleen shall again return.
Am D7 G A D
And when thy old friends welcome thee thy loving heart will cease to yearn.
C G D7 G
Where laughs the little silver stream beside your mother's humble cot
Em A D7
And brighter rays of sunshine gleam there all your grief will be forgot.
