Thomas Haynes Bayly (October 13, 1797 - April 1839) was an English poet, songwriter, dramatist, miscellaneous writer and son of a wealthy lawyer in Bath. Originally intended for the law, 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 fell into financially straitened circumstances. Among the best known of his songs are I'd be a Butterfly , Oh, no, we never mention Her , She wore a Wreath of Roses ,The Mistletoe Bough, and Long, Long Ago . He may be regarded as, excepting Moore, the most popular song writer of his time.
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