Merrily o'er the waves
Composer
Austin Philips
Lyricist
Reverend John Reynell Wreford
(American, 1800 - 1881)
Publisher
J F Atwill
Date1839
Object number00036379
NameSheet music
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 332 x 256 mm, 0.04 kg
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection
Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds
Description'Merrily o'er the waves' is a four page booklet of sheet music that was No. 1 in the 'Songs of the Sea' series. The cover features a black and white image of a vessel sailing in rough seas, surrounded by a border of crossed anchors, sea horses, Neptune's tridents and draped flags. It was printed in New York and composed for voice with piano.HistorySheet music offers an insight into popular culture and social values at the time of their production. The widely distributed pieces were sold fairly cheaply, making them popular purchases with the general public. Music was an integral part of people's social life in the home and at public events such as balls, recitals, concerts and theatre shows.
The first stanzas of 'Merrily o'er the waves':
Merrily o'er the waves I go,
Far far away from shore;
No music half so sweet I know
As the noise of old oceans roar
Significance'Merrily o'er the waves' highlights the popularity of maritime scenes and events in 19th century sheet music.
