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 meadow's 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 o'er before For up to heavens I will take my lay The angels, too, will sing dee-ol-ee-ay