1. Song of The Swale

I'll sing of a place to my heart very dear, a place where I always would dwell,
And if you would kindly lend me your ear, a few of its beauties I'll tell,

CHORUS. its a Beautiful dale, home of the Swale, How well do I love thee, how well do I love thee,
Beautiful dale, home of the Swale, Beautiful, Beautiful dale.

Tis far far away from the noise and the din, of collieries factories and mills,
From the hustle and stir of town life shut in, by verdant and radiant hills.


O Swaledale, sweet dale, thou closely art bound, to our hearts by the strongest of ties,
That ever in human heart can be found, the source of our greatest joy.

How often as boys have we wandered along, by the side of the river so clear,
The birds never failing to tell their sweet song, and lend a charm to our ears.

And if fate should compel me to leave this dear spot, and in other lands far away roam,
My earnest wish, what e'er be my lot, is to end up my days here at home.

CHORUS. Beautiful dale, home of the Swale, How well do I love thee, how well do I love thee,
Beautiful dale, home of the Swale, Beautiful, Beautiful dale.

This fine old song, evocative of Silver Bands and male voice choirs – simply speaks for itself!

Jim Jarratt. Mytholmroyd. 2006

Copyright Jim Jarratt. 2006