Ramona
Francis Purcell Lyrics

The lyrics to Francis Purcell's song "Ramona" describe a love that is yearning and enduring, despite physical distance and potential separation. The singer wanders out into the hills, where the mountains loom large and seem to touch the sky. He feels someone waiting for him out there, someone who is his own true love, and he longs to be reunited with her. The title character, Ramona, is evoked by the sound of mission bells ringing above, as if to announce their imminent reunion. The singer expresses his devotion to Ramona, saying that she has taught him to care, and he will always remember the rambling rose she wears in her hair. He promises to meet her beside a waterfall, which becomes a symbol of their love and its unshakeable nature.

The lyrics of "Ramona" reflect a romantic ideal that was very popular in the early 20th century, when the song was written. It was first performed by Dolores Del Rio in the 1928 film "Ramona," which was based on a best-selling novel about a mixed-race woman who falls in love with a Native American man. The song became a hit and was covered by many artists over the years, including Bing Crosby, Elvis Presley, and The Blue Diamonds. The popularity of the song helped to launch Francis Purcell's career as a songwriter. Today, "Ramona" is considered a classic of the romantic ballad genre, and its lyrics have become synonymous with old Hollywood glamour, passion, and nostalgia.

* The song "Ramona" was composed by L. Wolfe Gilbert, with lyrics by Francis Xavier Caldwell.
* The Ramona "novel" by Helen Hunt Jackson was first published in 1884, and was an instant success.
* The novel "Ramona" brought a broader awareness to the native american communities in California, and helped to create sympathy in the United States for their plight.
* In the novel the character, Ramona, has a tragic life. She falls in love with a native american man, and they experience many hardships stemming from white settler encroachment on indigenous tribes' territory. The couple eventually adopt a child whose mother was a Native American and father a Scotsman. The novel was hailed as an important work of social justice and helped to inspire the "Mission Revival" movement in architecture.
* The film "Ramona" was filmed in California's Coachella Valley, where many of the scenes of the 1914 epic "The Ten Commandments" was filmed.
* The main character of Ramona, played by Dolores Del Rio, was raised by a white family and discovers her Secret Native heritage later in life.
* The lyrics of the song were written by Francis Xavier Caldwell, a Tin Pan Alley songwriter who was also known for his work on Broadway.
* Bing Crosby recorded "Ramona" in 1936 after his son had just been born, and he frequently sang it to him as a lullaby throughout his childhood.
* The Blue Diamonds were a Dutch singing duo who had a hit with their version of "Ramona" in 1960, which went to No. 1 on the charts in Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
* The song has been covered by a wide range of artists in a variety of styles, including Elvis Presley, Neil Sedaka, Connie Francis, and The Ventures.

Chords:
G
I wander out yonder o'er the hills
Am D
Where the mountains high
G
Seem to kiss the sky
G
Someone is out yonder, o'er the hills
Am D G
Waiting patiently, Waiting just for me

G
Ramona, I hear the mission bells above
Am D
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
G
I press you, caress you, and bless the day
Am D G
You taught me to care To always remember
G Am D G
The rambling rose you wear in your hair

G
Ramona, when day is done you'll hear my call
Am D
Ramona, we'll meet beside the water fall
G
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Am D G
Ramona I need you my own

G
Let's wander out yonder o'er the hills
Am D
By a babbling brook
G
Where we'll find a nook
G
To build our own love nest, o'er the hills
Am D G
Darling of my heart, Never more to part

G
Ramona, I hear the mission bells above
Am D
Ramona, they're ringing out our song of love
G
I press you, caress you, and bless the day
Am D G
You taught me to care To always remember
G Am D G
The rambling rose you wear in your hair

G
Ramona, when day is done you'll hear my call
Am D
Ramona, we'll meet beside the water fall
G
I dread the dawn when I awake to find you gone
Am D G
Ramona I need you my own