Long, Long Ago by Thomas Haynes Bayly

Album: Beautiful Dreams (1833)

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Songfacts®:

"Long, Long Ago" was composed in 1833 by the multi-disciplined British writer Thomas Haynes Bayly (1797-1839). Bayly was one of the most popular songwriters of the early 19th Century, and this was and remains one of his most endearing compositions, although it did not see the light of day until after his death. Originally called "The Long Ago," the somewhat stilted title was altered by its publisher, the American man of letters Rufus Wilmot Griswold.
"Long, Long Ago" is said to have been the most popular song in America in 1843, and is perhaps best known as an instrumental piece, usually for violin. Although somewhat more uptempo, the popular World War Two song "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree (With Anyone Else But Me)" is based on its melody. >>
Suggestion credit:
Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 8

Stev Metter from Washington DcI hear this song in 1970’s in Tampa , Florida when I was at University of South Florida! It has emotionally been a heartfelt symphonic piece that cut my heart in two! It still does every single time I hear it ! Haunting in only a way touching music provokes an experience in your mind! I learned it was written in 1843 by British composer! Never really popular until strings, piano brought into the tune! It played on popular music radio all the time ! Brings so many emotions to the forefront!
Jonah from WisconsinI did this piece for a 7th grade presentation in Orchestra. Quite enjoyed it. Slowly devolved into a dissing of Mozart, and I ended the slides with a Gigachad Beethoven pic. It was still pretty nice.
Jim from FloridaI too am haunted by the song Long Long Ago in the movie. I was very young when I saw it and it gave me nightmares. Would like to find the movie.
Beturn from UsaI've looked for the movie title for years and years, I remember black and white film, an empty rocking chair with black shawl, and the song Long, Long Ago haunts me.
Anonymous from UsA memorable rendition is heard in the film The Home and the World (Ghare-Baire), 1984, directed by Satyajit Ray.
AnonymousThe song was heard hauntingly in a movie scene where a young adopted boy was rocking on a rocking horse. I'm trying to find the name of the film.
AnonymousTo Peter from England, I just got through telling my wife the exact thing you wrote. I was a little thing at the time and I live in the deep south. Maybe we can find the movie now with the internet and Google.
Peter from EnglandI have a recollection of the song 'Long, Long Ago' being sung hauntingly at the end of a film. I cannot remember the year, I know it was in black and white and it was a woman singing it. I also seem to remember it was set in America's deep south but I can't be sure. If anyone can help it would be most appreciated as it has bugged me for years.

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