| Play/Download Music File Barry Taylor |
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| The tune was written by James Hook (1746-1827), an English composer and was published circa 1790. The words are by Leonard McNally (1752–1820). The song was also popular in America during the 1790s.
The words were written in honor of Miss Janson, of Richmond Hill, Leybourne, Yorkshire, who was engaged to Leonard McNally. They were married January 16, 1787. McNally was an Irish political informer. He joined the United Irishmen and unsuccessfully defended several of them in court. After his death it was discovered that MacNally had been in the pay of the British government. McNally was the informer who betrayed Lord Edward Fitzgerald in the 1798 Uprising and Robert Emmet in 1803. The music was once attributed to the Prince of Wales (later George IV). The subject was said to be Mrs. Fitzherbert, wife to George IV. She was a celebrated beauty of whom Lord Strouton wrote: "I'd crowns resign to call her mine, See the links below for more information on the relationship between George IV and Mrs. Fitzherbert. |
On The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill there lives a lass More bright than May-day morn Whose charms all other maids' surpass A rose without a thorn. This lass so neat, with smiles so sweet Has won my right good will I'd crowns resign to call thee mine Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill. Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill I'd crowns resign to call thee mine Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill. Ye zephyrs gay that fan the air And wanton thro' the grove O whisper to my charming fair "I die for her I love." This lass so neat, with smiles so sweet Has won my right good will I'd crowns resign to call thee mine Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill. Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill Sweet lass of The Lass of Richmond Hill Hill I'd crowns resign to call thee mine Sweet lass of Richmond Hill. |
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From
Best Loved Songs of The American People See Bibliography for full information. |
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