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About this quote

What does it mean?
Foster sings of a sorrowful parting and leaving a beloved home in Kentucky.
In plain terms
The song expresses sadness over leaving a happy place.
What can you take from it?
Leaving familiar places can bring deep sorrow.

Where it applies

  • farewell
  • remembering home

Putting it to work

  • express farewell
  • commemorate departures

Questions to consider

  • What memories do you leave behind?
  • How does home define you?

Another view

Leaving can also bring hope for new beginnings.

More from Stephen Foster

  1. The head must bow, and the back will have to bend, Wherever the darkey may go; A few more days, and the trouble all will end, In the field where the sugar-cane…

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  2. Old dog Tray 's ever faithful; Grief can not drive him away; He is gentle, he is kind- I shall never, never find A better friend than old dog Tray!

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  3. Beautiful dreamer, wake unto me, Starlight and dewdrops are waiting for thee; Sounds of the rude world heard in the day, Lull'd by the moonlight have all pass'…

    Permalink to quote #6

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