Lyrics The Old Refrain - Paddy Reilly

I often think of home Dee-ol-ee-ay
When I am all alone and far away;
I sing an old refrain, Dee-ol-ee-ay
For it recalls to me a bygone day

It takes me back again to meadows fair
Where sunlight′s golden rays beam everywhere
My childhood joys again come back to me
My mother's face in fancy too I see

It was my mother taughtme how to sing
And to that memory my heart will cling
I′m never sad alone while on my way
As long as I can sing Dee-ol-ee-ay

Though years have passed and gone, Dee-ole-ee-ay
All though my heart is young my head is grey
Yet still the echoes ring, Dee-ol-ee-ay
And dear old memories forever stay

My song will bring me visions full of light
And sweetest dreams throughout the darkest night
Of all that life can give, of summers best
I'll take it with me when I go to rest

An when at last my journey here is o'er
′Twill ring more joyfully than e′er before
For up to heaven I will make my way
The angels, too, will sing Dee-ol-ee-ay