Roll On Silver Moon

A poignant folk song of England origin
Melody by Sloman.
Arranged by Barker.

A lover’s death; both melody and lyrics have a melancholy feel.


The sheet music:


Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:


Lyrics

As I stray’d from my cot at the close of the day
‘Mid the ravishing beauties of June
‘Neath a jessamine shade I espied a fair maid
And she plaintively sigh’d to the moon

Chorus
Roll on silver moon, point the trav’ler his way
While the nightingale’s song is in tune
I never, never more with my true love will stray
By thy soft silver beams gentle moon

  1. As the Hart on the mountain, my lover was brave
    So noble, and manly and clever
    So kind and sincere, and he loved me full dear
    Oh, my Edwin his equal was never
  2. But alas he is dead and gone to death’s bed
    Cut down like a rose in full bloom
    All alone doth he sleep while I thus sadly weep
    Neath thy soft silver light gentle moon
  3. His lone grave I’ll seek out until morning appears
    And weep o’er my lover so brave
    I’ll embrace the cold sod and bathe with my tears
    The sweet flowers that bloom o’er his grave
  4. Ah me ne’er again may my bosom rejoice
    For my lost love I fain would meet soon
    And fond lovers will weep o’er the grave where we sleep
    Neath thy soft silver light gentle moon