The Last Rose of Summer is a traditional Irish folk song that dates back to the early 19th century. It is a mournful tune that speaks of the passing of time and the beauty of nature. The song has been covered by various artists over the years, but the lyrics have remained the same. In this article, we will take a closer look at the lyrics to The Last Rose of Summer.
Verse 1
‘Tis the last rose of summer,
Left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions
Are faded and gone;
No flower of her kindred,
No rosebud is nigh,
To reflect back her blushes,
Or give sigh for sigh.
The first verse of the song sets the tone for the rest of the lyrics. It speaks of a rose that is the last of its kind to bloom in the summer. All its companions have withered away, leaving it alone. The rose is personified, and the lyrics suggest that it is pining for companionship.
Verse 2
I’ll not leave thee, thou lone one!
To pine on the stem;
Since the lovely are sleeping,
Go, sleep thou with them.
Thus kindly I scatter,
Thy leaves o’er the bed,
Where thy mates of the garden
Lie scentless and dead.
In the second verse, the speaker addresses the rose directly and tells it that it will not be left alone. The speaker suggests that the rose should join its companions in death, and the leaves of the rose are scattered over their bed. The lyrics are melancholic, and they suggest that the beauty of nature is fleeting.
Verse 3
So soon may I follow,
When friendships decay,
And from Love’s shining circle
The gems drop away.
When true hearts lie withered,
And fond ones are flown,
Oh! who would inhabit
This bleak world alone?
In the final verse, the lyrics take on a more personal tone. The speaker suggests that they too will follow their friends and loved ones into death. The lyrics suggest that the speaker is afraid of being left alone in the world, and they long for companionship. The final lines of the song are particularly poignant, suggesting that the world is a bleak and lonely place without the warmth of human connection.
Conclusion
The Last Rose of Summer is a beautiful and haunting song that speaks to the fleeting beauty of nature and the importance of human connection. The lyrics are simple but powerful, and they have resonated with people for generations. Whether you are a fan of traditional Irish music or just appreciate a good folk song, The Last Rose of Summer is definitely worth a listen.
