THIS IS THE ONE SONG with a direct connection to Carmi, Illinois’ bicentennial. Which was the reason we were recording folk songs to begin with. In the booklet for Carmi’s sesquicentennial, the author, J. Robert Smith referred to the song being sung in Carmi’s parlors, accompanied by the pump organ.
The music was written by a black street musician by the name of Richard Milburn. The lyrics were written by one Alice Hawthorne, which was a nom de plume for a fellow named Septimus Winner.
The song was written in 1855, and the sheet music for it went on to sell twenty million copies. Even Abraham Lincoln loved it. The lyricist however, didn’t love Lincoln, and also wrote a song urging Americans to vote for Gen. George McClellan, Lincoln’s opponent when he ran for re-election to the presidency.
This version kicks off with Fred Lowery’s performance in 1939, complete with bird calls. It’s part of the charm of the song that despite its tragic lyrics, it was given what can only be described as a spritely melody. Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from Crying
Listen to the Mockingbird
Lyrics by Alice Hawthorne, Music by Richard Milburn, United States, 1855
Last night I dreamed of my Halley,
Of my Halley, my sweet Halley,
Last night I dreamed of my Halley,
For the thought of her is one that never dies
She’s sleeping now in the valley,
In the valley, my sweet Halley,
She’s sleeping now in the valley,
And the Mockingbird is singing where she lies
Listen to the Mockingbird, listen to the Mockingbird,
Oh the Mockingbird is singing oe’er her grave,
Listen to the Mockingbird, listen to the Mockingbird,
Still singing where the yellow roses grow
How well do I yet remember,
I remember, I remember,
How well do I yet remember,
For the thought of her is one that never dies
It was in that sweet September,
In September, I remember,
It was in that sweet September,
That the Mockingbird was singing far and wide
Listen to the Mockingbird, listen to the Mockingbird,
Oh the Mocking bird still singing oe’er her grave,
Listen to the Mockingbird, listen to the Mockingbird,
Oh the Mockingbird still singing in the spring
