This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
As a beam o’er the face of the waters
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs, Folk songs
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As a beam o’er the face of the waters — Lyrics
As a beam o’er the face of the waters may glow
While the tide runs in darkness and coldness below,
So the cheek may be tinged with a warm sunny smile,
Though the cold heart to ruin runs darkly the while.
One fatal remembrance, one sorrow that throws
Its bleak shade alike o’er our joys and our woes,
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About As a beam o’er the face of the waters
This SATB arrangement of a traditional English folk song offers a poignant reflection on the contrast between outward appearance and inner feeling. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a smile that masks a cold heart, or a single, overwhelming memory that casts a shadow over all experiences. This secular part-song is well-suited for occasions demanding introspection or a nuanced emotional expression, perhaps during autumn or winter services where its melancholic beauty can resonate deeply. The music, sung in English, would provide a challenging yet rewarding experience for a choir seeking to explore themes of hidden sorrow beneath a pleasant exterior.
