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DLS 10-30-08
MAGGIE, WHEN WE WERE YOUNG
I wandered today through the hills, Maggie,
To watch all the scenes down below.
The creek and the old creaking mill, Maggie,
Where we used to go long ago.
The green growth is gone from the hills, Maggie,
Where first the daisies did spring.
The old creaking mill, it is still, Maggie,
Since you and I were young.
Now they say that I'm feeble with age, Maggie,
My steps are much slower than then.
My face is a well written page, Maggie,
And time all along with my pen.
They say we have outlived our time, Maggie,
As dated as songs that we've sung.
To me, you're as fair as you were, Maggie,
When you and I were young.
They say we have outlived our time, Maggie,
As dated as songs that we've sung.
To me, you're as fair as you were, Maggie,
When you and I were young,
When you and I were young.
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The lyrics to "When You and I Were Young, Maggie" were written as a poem by George Washington Johnson. He was a Canadian high school teacher.
Maggie Clark was one of his pupils.
They fell in love. Maggie became ill.
During a period of Maggie's illness, George walked to a nearby hill, overlooking an old mill, and composed
the poem. It was published in 1864 in a collection
of his poems entitled Maple Leaves.
They were married in 1864 but Maggie's health deteriorated and she died on May 12, 1865.
James Butterfield set the poem to music.
"Maggie" became popular around the world.
Prominent singers to record this song are Perry Como, Mac Wiseman, Gene Autry, and Slim Wittman.
This page was last updated: July 19, 2009
