The lyrics come from a poem attributed to Mary Elizabeth Frye. I find the choral arrangement breathtaking. It's hard to describe what it's like to play a piece like this for a choir - especially when I feel such a connection with the music and the lyrics. It's not particularly a religious poem, but the last line certainly is profound for a Believer: I am not there, I did not die.
About five years ago, the high school choir I accompanied sang this at their spring concert. Three days before graduation, a senior was in a car accident and died. His parents requested that the choir sing the song at his memorial service. I'm not sure how those kids were able to sing it knowing the last time it was sung, their friend was among them singing it. But what beautiful lyrics to comfort them.
- Do not stand at my grave and weep,
- I am not there; I do not sleep.
- I am a thousand winds that blow,
- I am the diamond glints on snow,
- I am the sun on ripened grain,
- I am the gentle autumn rain.
- When you awaken in the morning’s hush
- I am the swift uplifting rush
- Of quiet birds in circling flight.
- I am the soft starlight at night.
- Do not stand at my grave and cry,
- I am not there; I did not die.
- (Source)
beautiful song, Julie Anne!
ReplyDeletereminds me of Rachmaninoff's vespers.
here's my end of the world l'chiam. it's from G. K. Chesterton:
Though giant rains put out the sun,
Here stand I for a sign.
Though earth be filled with waters dark
My cup is filled with wine.
Tell to the trembling priests that here
Under the deluge rod,
One nameless, tattered, broken man
Stood up and drank to God.
Scientifically and as per present position of the stars, it is very much impossible. We respect mayan calender but as per vedic astrology when all 9 stars or more than 7 stars situated in one sign/rashi then it would definately be possible. but today and near future it seems to be impossible .Hence be Happy and do your regular work.
ReplyDeleteHi Dr Love: I'm afraid this is a subject that I have very limited knowledge (read: pretty much zilch). However, I will take your advice and be happy and go on with my regular work. Thanks for stopping by :)
DeleteI was prepared to implement the "Zombie Evacuation Plan" here at work today, it's very similar to the "Tiger Evacuation Plan" we wrote when the exotic animal collector in Ohio released all his big cats and whatnot a couple weeks ago. Somewhat disappointed not to have to use either of these evacuation plans.
ReplyDeleteWhoops, couple YEARS ago, not weeks.
DeleteThat's funny!! Zombie Evacuation Plan - that cracks me up. It's getting late. Is there still time for the end?
DeleteHey, the Mayans made a carved stone calendar (lot of work, expense today) that went hundreds of years, and ended at the end of one of their supposed cycles, on a solstice!!! How many years to we have on our printed calendars today, when paper is cheap? So are we predicting the end of the world some December 31st?
ReplyDelete