K:D O, [D]sweet is the [G]Vale where the [D]Mohawk gently glides On its clear winding way to the [A]sea, And [D]dearer than [F]all storied [D]streams on earth besides, [G]Is this [D]bright rolling [A]river to [D]me; {i}Refrain (sing after each verse):{/i} {i}But [G]sweeter, dearer, yes [D]dearer far than those{/i} {i}Who charm where others all [A]fail{/i} {i}Is [D]blue eyed, [G]bonny, [D]bonny Eloise,{/i} {i}[G]The [D]Bell of the [A]Mohawk [D]Vale.{/i} O, [D]sweet are the [G]scenes of my [D]boyhood's sunny years, That bespangle the gay valley [A]o'er, And [D]dear are the [G]friends seen thro' [D]memories fond tears [G]That have [D]lived in the [A]blest days of [D]yore; O, [D]sweet are the [G]momemts when [D]dreaming I roam, Thro' my loved haunts now mossy and [A]grey, And[D] dearer than [G]all is my [D]childhood's hallow'd home, [G]That is [D]crumbling now [A]slowly a-[D]way; ----- From: www.civilwarmusichistory.com/bonnieeloise.html John Rogers Thomas was an American composer, pianist and singer. During his life he wrote over 100 songs. Along with poet George W. Elliott, Thomas composed "Bonnie Eloise" in 1858. Although the song was written shortly before the Civil War, and does present a scene one would likely see before or after battle, it was very popular throughout the war and equally popular on both sides. The Mohawk Vale refers to the beautiful and peaceful Mohawk River in upstate New York, and is the longest tributary of the Hudson, but the Confederates didn't mind, as the song was a reminder to all soldiers of the beauties of home, wherever it may be, and the "Bonnie Eloise" that each soldier could see in his minds eye every day, and in his dreams at night.