When I grow too old to dream

I sometimes get a bit maudlin and sentimental, for no immediate reason.


It’s just the way I am some days. I think that it is OK!



The word “maudlin” is derived from “Magdalene”.


Mary Magdalene was the one who wept at the grave of Jesus, and “maudlin” means “weepy”.



(Incidentally, the first names “Madeline” and “Maud” come from the same root of “Magdalene”).



When I am in a maudlin frame I often go to Sigmund Romberg’s song “When I grow too old to dream”. It’s a song that makes me cry - in a good way.


Sigmund Romberg, born Zsigmond Romberg (July 29, 1887 – November 9, 1951), was a Hungarian born composer who moved to America and contributed to the great American genre of musical theatre,

Wikipedia has this to say about him: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigmund_Romberg

(Remember always to check sources for Wikipedia articles).

Here is the text of “When I grow too old to dream” (written with an older meaning of the word “gay”).

We have been gay, going our way

Life has been beautiful, we have been young

After you've gone, life will go on

Like an old song we have sung

When I grow too old to dream

I'll have you to remember

When I grow too old to dream

Your love will live in my heart

So, kiss me my sweet

And so let us part

And when I grow too old to dream

That kiss will live in my heart

And when I grow too old to dream

That kiss will live in my heart

So, kiss me my sweet

And so let us part

And when I grow too old to dream

That kiss will live in my heart



And here is a video of British vocalist Vera Lynn rendering this song (with WWII undertones).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNB8VbFmlOY



Maybe you will also enjoy being maudlin with me!




Comments

  1. Anonymous19 October 2009 at 16:25

    Hi Michael,
    I so enjoyed your blog today.Vera lynn singing brought back so many memories of long long ago.....Thank you so much.
    I don't think that you would have heard but our son Mike died in his sleep about 3 weeks ago. He was cremated and so far no other arrangements have been made.It is a relief to know that he is alright.no more battles with his lungs.
    Ido hope that all is well with you
    Take care Monica
    I always look forward to your Blog

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous19 October 2009 at 16:26

    My great-grandson helped me with this
    Monica

    ReplyDelete

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