The Old Refrain

"The Old Refrain" was an early twentieth century popular song arranged by Fritz Kreisler in 1915. It was based on the song "Du alter Stefansturm" from Johann Brandl's 1887 operetta Der liebe Augustin. It was written for violin and piano or orchestra; lyrics were also written by Alice Mattulath.

In the aftermath of the Guardian attack on Meridian in 2558, Evelyn Collins, while searching through the devastated Meridian Station for supplies, came upon a torn and trampled piece of sheet music for "The Old Refrain" among the equipment and personal effects that had been abandoned during the evacuation.

Lyrics

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 taught me how to sing
And to that memory my heart will cling
I'm never sad and alone while on my way
As long as I can sing Dee-ol-ee-ay

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

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

And when at last my journey here is o'er
'Twill ring more joyfully than e'er before
For up to heavens I will take my lay
The angels, too, will sing dee-ol-ee-ay

List of appearances

• Halo: Fractures
  • What Remains (First appearance)

External links

• Recording of "The Old Refrain" by Fritz Kreisler, Violin, on Youtube.
• Recording of "The Old Refrain" by John McCormack, Vocals, on Youtube.
• Sheet music for "The Old Refrain"