This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Canadian Boat Song
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Canadian Boat Song by Thomas William Hubbard — 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. Anne’s our parting hymn.
Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast,
The Rapids are near and the daylight’s past!
Why should we yet our sail unfurl?
There is not a breath the blue wave to curl;
But, when the wind blows off the shore,
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About Canadian Boat Song
Imagine a choir of rowers on the Utawas River, their voices and oars keeping time as dusk settles. Thomas William Hubbard captures this evocative scene in his partsong, Canadian Boat Song. Scored for SATB, this piece uses an English text that speaks of shared labour, impending rapids, and a hopeful prayer for favouring airs. The music reflects the gentle rhythm of rowing, building to a sense of urgency as the 'Rapids are near and the daylight’s past!' It’s a wonderfully atmospheric work, perfect for settings where a choir can convey the spirit of communal effort and the beauty of the natural world.
