This edition was prepared by David Anderson — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Gude-nicht, and joy be wi’ you a’
Staff Notation • Secular, Partsongs
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Gude-nicht, and joy be wi’ you a’ by Henry A. Lambeth — Lyrics
The best o’ joys maun hae an end,
The best o’ friends maun part, I trow;
The langest day will wear away,
And I maun bid fareweel to you.
The tear will tell when hearts are fu’;
For words, gin they hae sense ava,
They’re broken, faltering, and few:
Gudenicht, and joy be wi’ you a’.
Oh, we hae wandered far and wide,
O’er Scotia’s lands o’ firth and fell,
And mony a simple flower we’ve pu’d,
And twined it wi’ the heather bell.
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About Gude-nicht, and joy be wi’ you a’
Henry A. Lambeth’s setting of Gude-nicht, and joy be wi’ you a’ opens with a gentle, reflective mood, the voices weaving together in a warm, homophonic texture. The SATB arrangement captures the melancholic beauty of bidding farewell after shared experiences. The Lowland Scots text speaks of the inevitability of parting, even after journeys taken together across the landscapes of Scotland and shared moments of joy and sorrow. The music beautifully mirrors the sentiment, with moments of poignant harmony and a sense of resigned tenderness. This secular part-song is perfect for choirs seeking a piece with emotional depth and a connection to Scottish culture, offering a moving conclusion to a concert.
