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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2 editions of this piece
Different typesettings and voicings of the same work. This page shows the main edition; the others are below.
SATB · James Gibb
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A psalm of life by Henry Thomas Smart — Lyrics
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,
In the bivouac of Life,
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About A psalm of life
Henry Thomas Smart's setting of A Psalm of Life, for SATB choir, is a powerful rendition of a well-known inspirational poem. The text, originally by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, urges listeners to embrace life with purpose and determination, rejecting the idea of life as a mere dream or a path solely towards the grave. It calls for action and growth, encouraging individuals to be brave and heroic in their endeavors. Smart's choral arrangement brings this message to life through its English lyrics, likely aiming to inspire and uplift its listeners with its resolute and forward-looking sentiment. The SATB voicing allows for rich harmonic development as the text unfolds its motivational themes.
