The White Rose (song)
Encyclopedia
The White Rose is a traditional Cornish
folk song, the chorus of which appeared in the film Ladies in Lavender
(2005). The song remains popular and has been recorded by many of the Cornish male voice choir
s and is often performed at funerals. In 2001 it was read at the funeral of Rick Rescorla
, Cornish hero of 9/11
.
The first time I met you, my darling
Your face was as fair as the rose,
But now your dear face has grown paler
As pale as the lily white rose.
Chorus
You're fair as the spring, oh my darling
Your face shines so bright, so divine
The fairest of blooms in my garden
Oh lily white rose, you are mine
Chorus
Years pass by so quickly, my darling,
Each makes you more precious to me;
But long may we grow close together,
Oh, lily-white rose, cling to me.
Chorus
Now I am alone, my sweet darling,
I walk through the garden and weep,
But spring will return with your presence
Oh lily white rose, mine to keep
Chorus
Alternate fourth verse
And now that you've left me my darling
From your grave one single flower grows
I will always remember you darling
When I gaze on that lily white rose.
Cornwall
Cornwall is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of , and covers an area of...
folk song, the chorus of which appeared in the film Ladies in Lavender
Ladies in Lavender
The film's original music was written by Nigel Hess and performed by Joshua Bell and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Hess received a Classical BRIT Awards nomination for Best Soundtrack Composer....
(2005). The song remains popular and has been recorded by many of the Cornish male voice choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
s and is often performed at funerals. In 2001 it was read at the funeral of Rick Rescorla
Rick Rescorla
Cyril Richard "Rick" Rescorla was a retired United States Army officer of British birth who served with distinction in Northern Rhodesia as a member of the Northern Rhodesia Police and as a soldier in the Vietnam War as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army...
, Cornish hero of 9/11
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
.
Lyrics
The White RoseThe first time I met you, my darling
Your face was as fair as the rose,
But now your dear face has grown paler
As pale as the lily white rose.
Chorus
- I love the White Rose in its splendour
- I love the White Rose in its bloom
- I love the White Rose so fair as she grows.
- It’s the rose that reminds me of you.
You're fair as the spring, oh my darling
Your face shines so bright, so divine
The fairest of blooms in my garden
Oh lily white rose, you are mine
Chorus
Years pass by so quickly, my darling,
Each makes you more precious to me;
But long may we grow close together,
Oh, lily-white rose, cling to me.
Chorus
Now I am alone, my sweet darling,
I walk through the garden and weep,
But spring will return with your presence
Oh lily white rose, mine to keep
Chorus
Alternate fourth verse
And now that you've left me my darling
From your grave one single flower grows
I will always remember you darling
When I gaze on that lily white rose.
External links
- Read the sheet music from the An-Daras website
- Hear the song (from Brian Jelbert's Web Page)