The Isle Of Innifree
Bing Crosby · Other Songs - Bing Crosby
And I've no doubt there's truth in what they say,
But sure a body's bound to be a dreamer
When all the things he loves are far away.
And precious things are dreams unto an exile.
They take him o'er the land across the sea
Especially when it happens he's an exile
From that dear lovely Isle of Inisfree.
And when the moonlight peeps across the rooftops
Of this great city, wondrous though it be,
I scarcely feel its wonder or its laughter.
I'm once again back home in Inisfree.
I wander o'er green hills through dreamy valleys
And find a peace no other land could know.
I hear the birds make music fit for angels
And watch the rivers laughing as they flow.
But dreams don't last
Though dreams are not forgotten
And soon I'm back to stern reality.
But though they pave the footways here with gold dust,
I still would choose the Isle of Inisfree.
The Isle Of Innifree
Bing Crosby's 1944 recording of 'The Isle Of Innifree' stands as a quintessential example of his mastery of the romantic ballad. Delivered with his signature warm, intimate vocal style, the track captures the melancholic yet hopeful spirit of the era's Hollywood musicals. As part of Crosby's extensive discography, this composition highlights his ability to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing and gentle instrumentation. The song remains a staple of his catalog, often associated with themes of longing and the passage of time, reflecting the broader cultural sentiment of post-war America. Its enduring popularity underscores Crosby's status as a definitive interpreter of the American songbook during the mid-20th century.