The South Wind

"The South Wind" is the 97th song in Ives's song collection 114 Songs.

Ives notes: "Composed originally to 'Die Lotosblume' but as the setting was unsatisfactory, the other words were written for it."

Date: 1899Composer: Charles IvesText: Charles Ives

Print vitals & song text

Text

The South Wind
by Charles Ives

When gently blows the South Wind
First through the Northern Wood,
With eagerness he goeth
where long a tree has stood.

He lifts the leafy cov’ring
that lies close at its base,
and there with sweetest welcome,
looks up his old love’s face.

Beneath the snow she waits him
and keeps her leave’s brave dress,
Her fair blossom opens
at his first caress.

Each year the flower greets him,
For him, for him alone,
her heart with love’s beauty,
through her brief day has shone.

Sheet Music

114 Songs

Composer(s): Charles Ives

Free via IMSLP

Support us and help us grow

Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.