This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
A Psalm of Life
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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A Psalm of Life by John Kinross — Lyrics
WHAT THE HEART OF THE YOUNG MAN SAID TO THE PSALMIST
Tell me not, in mournful numbers,
“Life is but an empty dream!”–
For the soul is dead that slumbers,
And things are not what they seem.
Life is real! Life is earnest!
And the grave is not its goal;
“Dust thou art, to dust returnest,”
Was not spoken of the soul.
Not enjoyment, and not sorrow,
Is our destined end or way;
But to act, that each tomorrow
Find us farther than today.
Art is long, and Time is fleeting,
And our hearts, though stout and brave,
Still, like muffled drums, are beating
Funeral marches to the grave.
In the world’s broad field of battle,
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About A Psalm of Life
John Kinross sets an excerpt from Longfellow's famous poem, A Psalm of Life, for SATB choir. This is a secular part-song in English, originally from the 19th century, which offers a robust and optimistic view of life's purpose. The music opens with a sense of forward motion, reflecting the text's exhortation to action and progress. It captures the poem's message that life is real and earnest, and that we should strive to make each day count, urging the singer to be a hero rather than passively accepting fate. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic development and dynamic contrasts, making it suitable for choirs looking for an uplifting and textually inspiring piece.
