This is in response to someone (I forgot the name and Email address) who asked about this song in one of the misplaced threads.

LONG, LONG AGO
Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1829) Published in the early 1840's

Tell me the tales that to me were so dear,
Long, long ago, long, long ago.
Sing me the songs I delighted to hear,
Long, long ago, long ago.

Now you are come, all my fears are removed,
Let me forget for how long you have roved.
Let me believe that you love as you loved,
Long, long ago, long ago.

Do you remember the paths where we met?
Long, long ago, long, long ago.
Ah, yes, you told me you'd never forget,
Long, long ago, long ago.

Then to all others, my smile you preferred,
Love, when you spoke, gave a charm to each word.
Still my heart treasures the phrases I heard,
Long, long ago, long ago.

This is transcribed from the wonderful Bear Family lp, Just Me And My Guitar, Marty Robbins, 1983.

From the notes: Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1829) wrote the oldest song in this collection, appropriately titled, "Long, Long Ago." Originally titled "The Long Ago," it was not published until the early 1840's well after the composer's death. The World War II pop favorite, "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree," borrowed its melodic base from Bayly's classic. The Pickard Family, an early Grand Ole Opry group, featured this song in one of their early song folios. (notes by Ronnie Pugh of the Country Music Foundation, Nashville, TN)

The recordings are from 1956 and 1963 (including this one) and only 4 of the 15 titles were previously released by Columbia. In case anyone is interested in finding this treasure, here is the complete list of titles: The Little Rosewood Casket, The Letter Edged In Black, Twenty One Years, The Convict And The Rose, The Dream Of The Miner's Child, The Little Box Of Pine On The 7:29, The Wreck Of The Number Nine, The Sad Lover, The Little Shirt My Mother Made For Me, My Mother Was A Lady, When It's Lamplighting Time In The Valley, The Wreck Of The 1256, Just Before The Battle Mother, Long, Long Ago, and Beautiful Dreamer. ^^