Robin Adair

This article is about the traditional song. For the Washington congressional candidate, see United States House of Representatives elections in Washington, 2010.
"Robin Adair"
Roud #8918
Song
Writer(s) Lady Caroline Keppel
Composer(s) Charles Coffey
Language English

Robin Adair is a traditional Irish (sometimes identified as Scottish) song with lyrics written by Lady Caroline Keppel. It was popular in the 18th century.[1] It has a Roud Folk Song Index number of 8918.[2] The song was mentioned by Jane Austen in her 1815 novel Emma; the character Jane Fairfax played it on the piano.

Background

Robert "Robin" Adair, husband of Lady Caroline Keppel

Robert "Robin" Adair was a real man, born in Dublin around 1714 and passing away in 1790. He was a surgeon-colonel in the British army, and declined a baronetcy. Though her family disapproved of the match because of his lower status, Lady Caroline Keppel (c. 1734–1769)[3] married him. In response to her family, she wrote this song in the 1750s. The couple had a son named Robert, who was part of the British diplomatic corps. The melody of the song may have been written by Charles Coffey. "Eileen Aroon," a work by him, features the same melody.[4]

Lyrics
"Robin Adair"
Sung by Geraldine Farrar, 1908
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These lyrics were printed in a chapbook of 1823:[5]

What's this dull town to me?
Robin's not near:
What was't I wish'd to see?
What wish'd to hear?
Where's all the joy and mirth,
Made this town a heaven on earth?
Oh! they're all fled with thee,
Robin Adair.

What made the assembly shine?
Robin Adair.
What made the ball so fine?
Robin was there:
What when the play was o'er,
What made my heart so sore?
Oh! it was parting with
Robin Adair.

But now thou'rt cold to me
Robin Adair,
But now thou'rt cold to me
Robin Adair:
Yet him I lov'd so well,
Still in my heart shall dwell;
Oh! I can ne'er forget
Robin Adair.

References

  1. ↑ "'Robin Adair' in 'Emma': Jane's lament for Tom Lefroy?". Becoming Jane Fansite. Blogspot. August 13, 2007. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  2. ↑ Engle, David G.; Waltz, Robert B. (2016). "Robin Adair". Fresno State. California State University. Retrieved August 13, 2016. line feed character in |publisher= at position 17 (help)
  3. ↑ Bliss, Carmen (1904). Robin Adair. Philadelphia: John D. Morris & Co.
  4. ↑ "Robin Adair". Behind the Tunes. plheineman.net. May 9, 2015. Retrieved February 7, 2016.
  5. ↑ Bruce's Address. Glasgow: R. Hutchison. 1823. p. 5-6.
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