Thomas Haynes Bayly

Thomas Haynes Bayly (October 13, 1797 – April 1839) was an English poet, songwriter, dramatist, and writer.

The son of a wealthy lawyer in Bath, Bayly intended to become an attorney like his father, but he changed his mind and thought of entering the church, but he abandoned this idea also and gave himself to writing for the stage and the periodical press. He is chiefly known for his songs (of which he wrote hundreds) which, set to the music of Bishop and other eminent composers, found universal acceptance. Some were set to his own music. He also wrote several novels and a number of farces. Although making a large income from his writings, in addition to that of his wife, he encountered financial problems.

His best known songs include I'd be a Butterfly, Oh, no, we never mention Her, She wore a Wreath of Roses,The Mistletoe Bough, and Long, Long Ago. Except for Thomas Moore (1779–1852), Bayly may be regarded as the most popular song writer of his time.

References

This article incorporates public domain text from: Cousin, John William (1910). A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature. London, J. M. Dent & sons; New York, E. P. Dutton.

External links

• Short bio of the composer along with MIDI & lyrics for Long, Long Ago