Written 1901 Language English | Composer(s) Neil Moret | |
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"Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl)" is a popular song written by Neil Moret (Charles N. Daniels) in 1901. James J. O'Dea (1870–1914) added lyrics in 1903 and the music was re-subtitled "(His Song to Minnehaha)".
"Hiawatha" was extremely popular when released, and sold half a million copies. It has been recorded numerous times and started a decade long fad for "Indian" songs.
"Hiawatha" was named for Hiawatha, Kansas, not for Longfellow's poem.
Lyrics
The lyrics as written by O'Dea:
Oh the moon is all agleam on the streamWhere i dream here of you my pretty Indian maid.While the rustling leaves are singing high above us overheadIn the glory of the bright summer nightIn light of the shadows of the forest gladeI am waiting here to kiss your lips so red.There's a flood of melodies on the breezeFrom the trees and of you they breathe so tenderlyWhile the wodlands all around are resounding your name,Oh my all in life is you only youFond and true and your own forevermore I'll be.Hear them the song I sing with lips aflameRefrain:I am your own your Hiawatha brave— my heart is yours you knowDear one I love you soOh Minnehaha gentle maid decide— decide and you'll be,My Indian bride.In the tresses of your hair, lies a snare and its thereWhere my heart a willing captive is.Oh my woodland queen I pray you'll hold it ever in your careIn my little birch canoe love with youJust we two down the stream of life in wedded blissI would drift sweetheart with you my lot to share.When the birds upon the wing in the springGaily sing of the green and golden summer timeWhen the snows of early winter robe the wodlands in white,Then your Hiawatha free I will beAnd to thee ev'ry though of mine will o'er incline.Heed then the vows I pledge to thee this night.(Refrain)References
Hiawatha (A Summer Idyl) Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA