Description
The Welsh actor, dramatist, singer and composer Ivor Novello (1893-1951) was one of the most popular British entertainers of the first half of the 20th century. His first big hit as a songwriter was Keep the Home Fires Burning (1914), which was enormously popular during the First World War.
We’ll Gather Lilacs is from Novello’s musical Perchance to Dream which ran in London’s West End from 1945 to 1948. Written as World War II drew to its close, the song resonated with the hope of soon being reunited with loved ones. It was – and remains – hugely popular and has been recorded by many artists, including Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Julie Andrews.
Following his death in 1951 the song was performed at Novello’s cremation by Olive Gilbert (one of the original performers in Perchance to Dream) and his ashes are buried beneath a lilac tree in Golders Green Crematorium in London. The closing words from We’ll Gather Lilacs – ‘Till you are home once more’ – are engraved on his headstone.
Such a beautiful song which would suit many occasions including funerals.
