Two songs with similar melodies on mountain dulcimer, DAd arrangements by Linda Brockinton and Janita Baker, respectively. Played in CGc (same 1-5-8 tuning). Used with permission. The transition begins at the 3:21 mark.

“I’ll Remember You…” (with lyrics shown below) was composed by William S. Hays (1837-1907) at age 32 and published 8 years later in Boston. Will was from Louisville, Kentucky, and his tune is popular among the Irish and country-western & bluegrass musicians as both a waltz and song.

“Believe Me If All…” is an older air that Irish poet Thomas Moore (1779-1852) wrote at age 29. His goal was to reassure his young wife of his devotion in the face of a ravaging illness that threatened her beauty. See John McDermott, Tenor for a lovely rendition of the lyrics.

Sources: tunearch.org/wiki and Britannica.com, respectively


When the curtains of night are pinned back by the stars
And the beautiful moon climbs the sky
And the dewdrops from Heaven are kissing the moon
It is then that my memory flies

Go wherever you will, over land, over sea
I will share all your sorrows and cares
And at night when I kneel by my bedside to pray
I'll remember you, love, in my prayers

I have loved you too fondly to ever forget
Those words you have spoken to me
With the kiss of affection still warm on my lips
When you told me how true you would be

Go wherever you will, over land, over sea
I will share all your sorrows and cares
And at night when I kneel by my bedside to pray
I'll remember you, love, in my prayers

As if on the wings of a beautiful dove
In haste with the message he bears
And to bring him a kiss of affection and say
I'll remember you, love, in my prayers

Well, go wherever you will, over land, over sea
I will share all your sorrows and cares
And at night when I kneel by my bedside to pray
I'll remember you, love, in my prayers