This song is suitable when the need arises (as it frequently does) to bid farewell to leavers from a school community. The words are borrowed and patched together from two well known blessings, one Irish and the other Swahili. Sung with feeling, it provides for both the tenderness, nostalgia and reflection associated with such an occasion.
I wrote it when dear friends of mine - both accomplished musicians - left town and country to move far away. It suited the swan-song sadness of our parting ways and will always be dedicated as my 'farewell to Mariel Ilusorio'.
It is best suited to young soprano voices which split in the last few bars, alternating their parts - go in peace - life is a journey (or life is a blessing). The piano part is written in its simplest form and is entirely open to further embellishment at the player's discretion and pleasure! Chords are included for those who read chord sheets.
As a communal song, this one should sit comfortably with people from different cultures, creeds and backgrounds with its inclusive text.
The demo-video is intended for teachers who want to learn the song; it helps to hear it, so here it is, plain and clear and in my home-recorded voice that does not belong in public arenas! Use it to get the gist of how it goes; I assure you, it will sound a whole lot better sung by young voices. The photos of tracks and roads are taken from around the wilds of the Eastern Cape where I live, and Zimbabwe.
G C
May the road rise up before you
G C G
May the wind be always at your back
Am7 F#m7 F#m7/B
May the sun shine warm upon your face until we meet again
Em A7/C# Dmaj7 Gmaj7
May the rain fall soft upon your fields until we meet again
C#m7 C#m7/F# Eb Eb7
And may God hold you in the palm of the hand
Abm Db7
Go in peace life is a journey/ blessing x3
Bdim/Bb Eb
and may God give you peace/ grace
Explore the collection of Stones Hill songs listed below - share them with people whom you know will use and enjoy them. Please acknowledge source and composer if piece is used for public performance - copyright Liz Campbell, Stones Hill songs. Feedback would also be appreciated - how the song works for you, how you may have used it: liz.jessam@gmail.com
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/spring-is-sprung_9.htm
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/old-macdonald_20.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-ant-house_18.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/old-king-glory.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/we-need-bees.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/10/my-animal-friends.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/08/plastic-bottle-eco-brick_22.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/09/hand-game_17.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/figure-of-8_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/so-many-things-my-body-can-do.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/i-was-walking-along_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/come-on-and-dance-like-clown.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/i-have-eyes-to-see.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/one-little-thumb.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/good-morning_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/08/all-join-hands-and-make-circle_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/09/come-on-everybody.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/09/my-little-body_26.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/choosing_1.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/i-have-one_12.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/10/alphabet-bounce_87.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/11/lift-your-voice-and-sing.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2018/12/farewell-song.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/03/i-went-shopping.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/03/round-garden_48.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/03/creepy-crawly_10.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/05/tree-in-wood_16.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/09/building-up-house_16.html
https://connectsongdance.blogspot.com/2019/11/the-voice-in-cupboard_5.html
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