JLB3061
An Irish Blessing
Music: Jennifer Bell, Words: anon. (adapted by the composer)
Voicing: two-part voices, keyboard
Performance time approx: 2m 00s
Range: Part 1 c' – c'' / Part 2 c' – c''
Price code: B
Complexity:
Jennifer Bell’s simple blessing will work with almost any available voices or instruments – and a drone in C will also work in lieu of a keyboard. The piece is essentially in call and response format, and is simple enough that it can easily be taught by ear by a soloist or cantor singing part 1 and cueing the entries and cutoffs for part 2. Dynamics have been left to the performer.
The words (versions of which have been set by numerous composers) are widely described as being derived from old Irish sayings. However, there’s no clear evidence about the origin of the text, and certainly not of an Irish Gaelic original.
May the road rise,
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind blow,
May the wind blow at your back.
May the sun shine,
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall,
May the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
May God hold you,
May the rains fall,
May the sun shine,
May the wind blow,
May the road rise,
May the road rise,
May the road rise to meet you.
Anon., adapted by the composer.