Song No. 18  "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen"

Words and Music by Thomas P. Westendorf

Contrary to a common misconception, this was not a ballad imported from the Emerald Isle.  In 1876, composer Westendorf, a school teacher living in Plainfield, Indiana, penned this affectionate love song when temporarily separated from his wife --only her name was Jennie. The piece was written in the form of an "answer" to a then popular ballad, "Barney, Take Me Home Again."

Lyrics I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen Across the ocean wild and wide To where your heart has ever been Since first your were my bonny bride The roses all have left your cheek, I've watched them fade away and die Your voice is sad whene'er you speak And tears be-dim your loving eyes Oh, I will take you back, Kathleen To where your heart will feel no pain And when the fields are fresh and green I'll take you to your home, Kathleen

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