This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Canadian boat song
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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A Canadian boat song by Maurice Arnold — Lyrics
Faintly as tolls the evening chime
Our voices keep tune and our oars keep time.
Soon as the woods on shore look dim,
We’ll sing at St. Ann’s our parting hymn.
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,
The rapids are near and the daylight’s past.
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About A Canadian boat song
Imagine a choir on a river journey, perhaps at dusk, rowing their boat. This is the setting for Maurice Arnold's A Canadian Boat Song, a secular partsong for SATB voices. The text evokes the gentle rhythm of rowing, the fading light, and the shared camaraderie of a group. It speaks of the approaching rapids and the end of the day, but also of a sweet rest when the wind finally allows them to sail. The music captures the steady pulse of the oars and the wistful beauty of the scene, making it an evocative choice for a choral concert.
