Love Ballad
Aura Lea

Words: W. W. Fosdick, Esq.
Music: C. R. Poulton

Without the tradition of our "shape note" hymns, this beautiful melody could not have been written. Here is that unique fusion of hymn and spiritual which created that distinctive 19th century American flavor. In the present revival of folk music, Aura Lee has become very popular under the title of "Love Me Tender. "

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2.
In thy blush the rose was born,
Music when you spake,
through shine azure eye the morn
Sparkling seemed to break.
Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
Birds of crimson wing,
Never song have sung to me
As in that sweet spring.

Chorus: Aura Lea, Aura Lea, etc.

 

4.
When the mistletoe was green,
Midst the winter's snows,
Sunshine in thy face was seen,
Kissing lips of rose.
Aura Lea, Aura Lea,
Take my golden ring;
Love and light return with thee,
And swallows with the spring.

Chorus: Aura Lea, Aura Lea, etc.

 

 

3.
Aura Lea! the bird may flee,
The willow's golden hair

Swing through winter fitfully,
On the stormy air.
Yet if thy blue eyes I see,
Gloom will soon depart;

For to me, sweet Aura Lea
Is sunshine through the heart,

Chorus: Aura Lea, Aura Lea, etc

A Life on the Vicksburg Bluff When Johnny Comes Marching Home
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Last update: Friday, November 05, 1999
http://www.nps.gov/vick/eduguide/chp_2/aura_lea.htm