Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

GOOD NIGHT by ROBERT TANNAHILL

Poem Explanation

First Line: THE EVENING SUN'S GAEN DOWN THE WEST
Last Line: GOOD NIGHT, AND JOY BE WI' YOU A'!
Subject(s): NIGHT; BEDTIME;
THE evening sun's gaen down the west,
The birds sit nodding on the tree;
All nature now prepares for rest,
But rest prepared there's none for me.
The trumpet sounds to war's alarms,
The drums they beat, the fifes they play, --
Come, Mary, cheer me wi' thy charms,
For the morn I will be far away.

@3Good night, and joy -- good night, and joy,
Good night, and joy be wi' you a';
For since it's so that I must go,
Good night, and joy be wi' you a'!@1

I grieve to leave my comrades dear,
I mourn to leave my native shore;
To leave my aged parents here,
And the bonnie lass whom I adore.
But tender thoughts maun now be hushed,
When danger calls I must obey,
The transport waits us on the coast,
And the morn I will be far away.
@3Good night, and joy, etc.@1

Adieu, dear Scotia's sea-beat coast!
Though bleak and drear thy mountains be,
When on the heaving ocean tost
I'll cast a wishful look to thee!
And now, dear Mary, fare thee well,
May Providence thy guardian be!
Or in the camp, or on the field,
I'll heave a sigh, and think on thee!

@3Good night, and joy -- good night, and joy,
Good night, and joy be wi' you a';@1
@3For since it's so that I must go,
Good night, and joy be wi' you a'!@1



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