Songs

The Last Rose of Summer

by Benjamin Britten From Irish Folk Song Arrangements (1960)

If you would like to use our texts and translations, please click here for more information.

Text

The Last Rose of Summer
English source: Thomas Moore

’Tis the last rose of summer left blooming alone;
All her lovely companions are faded and gone;
No flow’r of her kindred, no rosebud is nigh
To reflect back her blushes, or give sigh for sigh.
So soon may I follow, when friendships decay,
And from love’s shining circle the gems drop away!
When true hearts lie wither’d, and fond ones are flown,
Oh! who would inhabit this bleak world alone?

Composer

Benjamin Britten

Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten (22 November 1913 – 4 December 1976) was an English composer, conductor and pianist. He was a central figure of 20th-century British classical music, with a range of works including opera, other vocal music,…

Poet

Thomas Moore

Thomas Moore was an Irish poet, singer, songwriter, and entertainer, now best remembered for the lyrics of "The Minstrel Boy" and "The Last Rose of Summer". He was responsible, with John Murray, for burning Lord Byron's memoirs after his death. In…

Help us with a Donation

Enjoying our texts and translations? Help us continue to offer this service to all.

Make a Donation

Select Tickets