Robin Adair
| "Robin Adair" | |
|---|---|
| Song | |
| Language | English |
| Written | 1750s |
| Composer(s) | Charles Coffey |
| Lyricist(s) | Lady Caroline Keppel |
"Robin Adair" is a traditional Irish (sometimes identified as Scottish) song with lyrics written by Lady Caroline Keppel. It was popular in the 18th century.[1] It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 8918.[2] The song was mentioned by Jane Austen in her 1815 novel Emma; the character Jane Fairfax played it on the piano. The song is also mentioned in Chapter IX of MacKinlay Kantor's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "Andersonville" (1955).
Background
Lyrics
These lyrics were printed in a chapbook of 1823:[5]
What's this dull town to me?
Robin's not near:
What was't I wish'd to see?
What wish'd to hear?
Where's all the joy and mirth,
Made this town a heaven on earth?
Oh! they're all fled with thee,
Robin Adair.
What made the assembly shine?
Robin Adair.
What made the ball so fine?
Robin was there:
What when the play was o'er,
What made my heart so sore?
Oh! it was parting with
Robin Adair.
But now thou'rt cold to me
Robin Adair,
But now thou'rt cold to me
Robin Adair:
Yet him I lov'd so well,
Still in my heart shall dwell;
Oh! I can ne'er forget
Robin Adair.
A further three verses may comprise a later addition.[4]
Welcome on shore again,
Robin Adair!
Welcome once more again,
Robin Adair!
I feel thy trembling hand;
Tears in thy eyelids stand,
To greet thy native land,
Robin Adair!
Long I ne'er saw thee, love,
Robin Adair;
Still I prayed for thee, love,
Robin Adair;
When thou wert far at sea,
Many made love to me,
But still I thought on thee,
Robin Adair!
Come to my heart again,
Robin Adair;
Never to part again,
Robin Adair;
And if thou still art true,
I will be constant too,
And will wed none but you,
Robin Adair
External links
- Adelina Patti singing Robin Adair on YouTube
- Emma Albani singing Robin Adair on YouTube
- Geraldine Farrar singing Robin Adair on YouTube
- Robin Adair, London: G. Walker, [1804-1814] on Internet Archive
Interpretations
- "Robin Adair", variations by George Kiallmark on YouTube performed by Samantha Carrasco, piano
References
- ^ "'Robin Adair' in 'Emma': Jane's lament for Tom Lefroy?". Becoming Jane Fansite. Blogspot. August 13, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
- ^ Engle, David G.; Waltz, Robert B. (2016). "Robin Adair". Fresno State. California State University. Retrieved August 13, 2016.
- ^ Bliss, Carmen (1904). Robin Adair. Philadelphia: John D. Morris & Co.
- ^ a b "Robin Adair". Behind the Tunes. plheineman.net. May 9, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
- ^ Bruce's Address. Glasgow: R. Hutchison. 1823. p. 5-6.
