Monday Music: Ashokan Farewell

When I heard this beautiful piece as a theme in Ken Burns' The Civil War series, I thought it was a Civil War-era song. It certainly has that feel of early American music influenced by memories of Irish and English ballads. It is actually a modern work, composed in 1982 by Jay Unger.

I have also learned that there are lyrics to the music, written by Grian MacGregor (see below).

Words by Grian MacGregor
Music by Jay Ungar

The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan.
The pines and the willows know soon we will part.
There’s a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,
And a love that will always remain in my heart.

My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter,
The magic of moving as one,
And a time we’ll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done.

Will we climb the hills once more?
Will we walk the woods together?
Will I feel you holding me close once again?
Will every song we’ve sung stay with us forever?
Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind.
©1983 and 1991 by Swinging Door Music-BMI, PO Box 49, Saugerties, NY 12477
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