The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #140843   Message #3248366
Posted By: Jim Dixon
01-Nov-11 - 09:53 AM
Thread Name: Lyr Add: Music-hall songs sung by Harry Lauder
Subject: Lyr Add: BACK, BACK, TO WHERE THE HEATHER GROWS
Here's my transcription from the sheet music at Mississippi State University:


BACK, BACK, TO WHERE THE HEATHER GROWS (BELLA McGRAW)
Words and music by Harry lauder
New York: T. B. Harris & Francis, Day & Hunter, 1918.

1. It is very near five years ago since I sailed for Canada.
I was very sorry when I sailed away
Because I had to leave behind me bonnie Bella McGraw,
For I loved her more than ever I could say;
But I've been savin', savin' just a wee bit ev'ry week,
Savin', savin' for the rainy day;
So after counting up my savin's I'd been savin' up,
I wrote her hame a letter just to say:

CHORUS: Oh! Bella McGraw, tho' you're miles and miles awa,
How I love ye ev'rybody knows.
I know that you are true,
So I'm comin' back to you,
Back, back, to where the heather grows.

2. It is just about a month ago since I counted up my brass,
Then I booked my passage hame frae Canada.
I couldna close my eyes at nicht thro' thinking on my lass,
But at last I'm hame beside my Bella McGraw;
But I think I'll wait till twelve o'clock afore I let her ken.
By that time she'll be sleepin', sure to be;
Then I'll creep up to the window o' her mither's but-an'-ben,
And sing the song I sent her o'er the sea:

3. I know I'll no be long at hame afore I tie the knot,
Because I know she's longing to be mine.
Altho' I've been five years away, I know she'll not forget me.
Man! I really do believe that she's divine.
I'm sure I couldn't find another like her if I tried,
Were I to search the worl' thro' and thro'.
I have only one regret this nicht and it is this:
I'm very sorry she's no' here the noo.