by William Shakespeare Hays (1837 - 1907)
When the curtains of night are pinned...
Language: English
When the curtains of night are pinned back by the stars, And the beautiful moon leaps the skies, And the dewdrops of heaven are kissing the rose, It is then that my memory flies, As if on the wings of some beautiful dove, In haste with the message it bears, To bring you a kiss of affection— "I remember you, love, in my prayers." I have loved you too fondly to ever forget The love you have spoken for me, And the kiss of affection still warm on my lips When you told me how true you would be; I know not if Fortune be fickle or friend, Or if time on your memory wears; I know that I love you, whatever you do, And remember you, love, in my prayers. When heavenly angels are guarding the good As God has ordain'd them to do, I answer to prayers I have offered to Him. I know there is one watching over you, And may its bright spirit be with you through life To guide you up heaven's bright stairs, And meet with the one who has loved you so true, And remember you, love, in her prayers. Chorus. Go where you will—on land or at sea— I'll share all your sorrows and cares; And at night, when I kneel by my bedside and pray, I'll remember you, love, in my prayers.
About the headline (FAQ)
Text Authorship:
- by William Shakespeare Hays (1837 - 1907), "I'll Remember You in My Prayers", first published 1869
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Anonymous/Unidentified Artist , "I'll Remember You in My Prayers", published c1869 [ mezzo-soprano, satb chorus and piano ], New York : J.L. Peters
Publisher: IMSLP [external link]  [sung text checked 1 time] - by Eleanor Joanne Daley (b. 1955), "The Angels Will Guide You Home", copyright © 2004 [ ssa chorus and piano ], Alliance Music Publication
Publisher: Alliance Music Publication [external link]  [sung text not yet checked]
Researcher for this page: Joost van der Linden [Guest Editor]
This text was added to the website: 2026-09-03
Line count: 29
Word count: 231