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When You Were Sweet Sixteen lyrics

The Fureys

When first I saw the love light in your eye,
I thought the world held naught but joy for me.
And even though we drifted far apart,
I never dream, but what I dream of thee


I love you as I've never loved before,
Since first I saw you on the village green.
Come to me e'er my dreams of love are o'er,
I love you as I loved you,
When you were sweet,
When you were sweet sixteen.


I love you as I've never loved before,
Since first I saw you on the village green.
Come to me e'er my dreams of love are o'er,
I love you as I loved you,
When you were sweet,
When you were sweet sixteen.

Song Details

When You Were Sweet Sixteen
James Thornton

Music & Lyrics: James Thornton

Date: 1898

Chords & Lyrics: Bell & Co Music - featuring The Fureys

Brief: Thornton’s inspiration for the song came from a comment he made to his wife. She had asked if he still loved her, to which he replied, "I love you like I did when you were sweet sixteen."

Category: Irish Ballad / Irish Love Song

Covers: The Fureys & Davey Arthur (featured), Perry Como, Al Jolson, The Celtic Angels, Ronan Tynon, Christine Browne, The Mills Brothers, Daniel O'Donnell, Ann Williamson.

Album by The Fureys & Davey Arthur: When You Were Sweet Sixteen (Jan 01, 1982).


James Thornton

Born: Dec 5, 1861 in Dublin or Liverpool (details are sketchy)
Died: July 27, 1938 in NY city, New York, US at age 76
Occupations: Songwriter, vaudeville performer
Active Years: ~ 1885-1934

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