Sacred Harp 347: Christian's Farewell

Song: Christian’s Farewell on page 347 of The Sacred Harp (aka Red Book), 1991 Denson edition. We sing 4-part a cappella music written in shaped notes. Singing the shapes (fa so la mi) first to learn the tune and then the words.

Due to the coronavirus outbreak, all parts were recorded separately, then mixed using the Shotcut program. There were 10 singers for this one, but 11 voices because Sandy sang low and high bass!

Tenor: Alison, Jan, John, Lauren
Alto: Amanda, Anne
Treble: Colleen, Aislinn
Bass: Richard, Sandy (x2)

Tune: Raymond C. Hamrick, 1989
Words: Primitive Hymns, 1858

(I always find this song comforting even while it’s breaking my heart. It was especially meaningful after my dad died in 2017. Ironically, he would have hated this kind of music!)

Brethren, farewell, I do you tell,
I’m sorry to leave, I love you so well.
Now I must go, where I don’t know,
Wherever Christ leads me the trumpet to blow.

Here I have worked, labored awhile,
But labor is sweet if Jesus doth smile.
When I am done, I will go home
Where Jesus is smiling and bids me to come.

[DanPurdy]

Thank you. I much enjoy this. Sing On.