This edition was prepared by David Monks — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
In praise of songs that die
Staff Notation • Secular, Art songs
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In praise of songs that die by David Monks — Lyrics
Ah, they are passing, passing by,
Wonderful songs, but born to die!
Cries from the infinite human seas,
Waves thricewinged with harmonies.
Here I stand on a pier in the foam
Seeing the songs to the beach go home,
Dying in sand while the tide flows back,
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About In praise of songs that die
The text of this art song paints a poignant scene of fleeting beauty, where 'wonderful songs, but born to die' are likened to waves receding on a shore. The speaker laments the impermanence of these 'precious hymns,' wishing for a haven where such ephemeral music might find refuge. David Monks sets this evocative English text for SATB choir, creating a reflective and expressive work. The music likely mirrors the ebb and flow of the lyrics, capturing the bittersweet emotion of cherishing transient artistic moments.
