This edition was prepared by Jason Smart — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
I have been a foster
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.
TBB|TBarB · Jason Smart
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I have been a foster by Robert Cooper — Lyrics
1. I have been a foster
Long and many a day;
Foster will I be no more,
No longer shoot I may;
Yet have I been a foster.
2. Hang I will my noble bow
upon the greenwood bough,
For I cannot shoot in plain
nor yet in rough;
Yet have I been a foster.
3. Every bow for me is to big;
mine arrow nigh worn is;
The glue is slipp’d from the nick;
when I should shoot I miss;
Yet have I been a foster.
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About I have been a foster
Robert Cooper's I have been a foster is a secular part-song for TBB or TBarB voices, sung in English. The text, likely from the Renaissance period, paints a humorous picture of a retired archer lamenting his lost youth and prowess. He can no longer shoot, his bow is too big, his arrows worn, and he misses his mark. Even Venus, the goddess of love, has dismissed him from her court, and his aged appearance makes him unwelcome to maidens. The composer captures the blend of resignation and wit in the lyrics, creating a characterful and engaging piece that would suit a varied programme.
