THE MINER'S DREAM OF HOME
Will Godwin and Leo Dryden. 1891

1. It is ten weary years since I left England's shore,
In a far distant country to roam,
How I long to return to my own native land—
To my friends and the old folks at home!
Last night, as I slumbered, I had a strange dream,
One that seemed to bring distant friends near,—
I dreamt of old England, the land of my birth,
To the heart of her sons ever dear!

CHORUS: I saw the old homestead, and faces I love—
I saw England's valleys and dells;
I listened with joy, as I did when a boy,
To the sound of the old village bells.
The log was burning brightly—
'Twas a night that should banish all sin,
For the bells were ringing the old year out
And the new year in.

2. While the joyous bells rang, swift I wended my way
To the cot where I'd lived when a boy;
And I looked in the window— Yes! there, by the fire,
Sat my parents!— my heart filled with joy.
The tears trickled fast down my bronzed, furrowed cheek,
As I gazed on my mother so dear,
I knew in my heart she was raising a pray'r
For the boy whom she dreamt not was near!

3. At the door of the cottage we met face to face—
'Twas the first time for ten weary years;
Soon the past was forgotten— we stood hand-in-hand—
Father, mother, and wand'rer in tears!
Once more in the fire-place the oak log burns bright,
As I promised no more would I roam;
As I sat in the old vacant chair by the hearth,
And I sang the dear song— "Home, Sweet Home!"


And if there's a dry eye in the house after that, it must have a heart of stone!
Steve, in part-exile in Milton Keynes

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