ADD: The Smile of Contentment and Love

Subject: The Smile of Contentment and Love
From:
Date: 21 Jun 99 - 08:04 PM

I'm looking for information on the American composer A. Richards and his composition "The Smile of Contentment and Love." I believe I've heard lyrics to this song many years ago from a vinyl recording. I've found a version of the piece on "Robert Beaser's Mountain Songs, a Cycle of American Folk Music."

Subject: Lyr Add: THE SMILE OF CONTENTMENT & LOVE (Richards
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 17 Mar 24 - 02:49 PM

There is sheet music for this song, viewable at the website of Baylor University. (Another copy can be seen at the HathiTrust.)


THE SMILE OF CONTENTMENT & LOVE
adapted to the much admired Air,
Kinloch of Kinloch.
written by S. Richards Esq^r., arranged by J. Monro
published 1830

O dear is my cottage unclouded by sorrow,
And sweet is the bower my Emiline wove;
Ah! nought from the gay or the wealthy I’d borrow,
While bless’d with the smile of Contentment and Love.
The mirth of my children, their playful caresses,
Unceasing delight to a Parent must prove;
Then talk not of him who more splendor possesses,
My wealth is the smile of Contentment and Love.

The morning awakes me to health and to labor,
The Lark points to Heaven as first to be prais’d;
The ev’ning procures me my friend and my neighbour,
To join in the tribute by gratitude rais’d.
And while with such Music re-echoes my dwelling,
While harmony still lingers over the grove,
O! if there’s a bliss such enjoyment excelling,
It beams in the smile of Contentment and Love.