Composed expressly for and dedicated to Madame Trebelli.
Published by Boosey & Co., 1870.
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This ballad was one of Sullivan's most popular. In fact, it was so popular that he composed a "sequel", Looking Forward, with words also by Louisa Gray three years later. Zelia Trebelli was a leading operatic contralto of the day who sang the song at a concert given for members of the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace on 11 May 1870. |
 MIDI File
[17K, 2' 46"] |
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 Score [2MB] |
I heard a voice long years ago,
A voice so wondrous sweet and low,
That trembling tears unbidden rose
From the depths of love's repose.
It floated thro' my dreams at night,
And made the darkest day seem bright,
It whispered to my heart, "My love,"
And nestling there forgot to move.
O my love, I lov'd her so,
My love that loved me years ago,
O my love,
O my love,
O my love I loved her so,
My love that loved me years ago.
But ere our summer passed away,
That gentle voice was hush'd for aye,
I watched my love's last smile, and knew,
How well the angels loved her too.
Then silent but with blinding tears,
I gathered all the love of years,
And laid it with my dream of old
Where all I loved slept white and cold.
O my love, I loved her so,
My love that loved me years ago.
O my love O my love
O my love I loved her so,
My love that loved me years ago.
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Page Created 18 May 2004