Composer: George R. Poulton
Lyricist: W.W. Fosdick 1861
Arrangement by Linda Brockinton

Aura Lee is a beautiful old folk song that was first published in 1861 and was popular with the Union Army during the Civil War.  In 1956 Elvis Presley changed the lyrics and the song title and this tune became one of his biggest hits -- "Love Me Tender."

Lyrics:

When the blackbird in the spring, on the willow tree, Sat and rocked, I heard him sing, singing Aura Lee Aura Lee, Aura Lee, maid of golden hair, Sunshine came along with thee, and swallows in the air.

CHORUS:
Aura Lee, Aura Lee, maid of golden hair, Sunshine came along with thee, And swallows in the air. In thy blush the rose was born, music when you spake, Through thine azure eye the morn, sparkling seemed to break. Aura Lee, Aura Lee, bird of crimson wing, Never song have sung to me, in that sweet spring.

Aura Lee! The bird may flee, the willows golden hair Swing through winter fitfully, on the stormy air. Yet if thy blue eyes I see, gloom will soon depart, For to me, sweet Aura Lee is sunshine through the heart.

(Chorus)

When the mistletoe was green, midst the winter's snows, Sunshine in thy face was seen, kissing lips of rose. Aura Lee, Aura Lee, take my golden ring, Love and light return with thee, and swallows with the spring.