SP3036
My true love hath my heart
Music: Sheena Phillips, Words: Philip Sidney
Voicing: SATB
Performance time approx: 1m 45s
Range S: d' – e'' / A: c#' – c'' / T: d – d' / B: G – f
Price code: C
Complexity:
This was written for the wedding of Tom and Elanor Wexler in 2003. It uses a wonderful text by the 16th century English poet Sir Philip Sidney, expressing with wit and charm – and perhaps even a hint of warning! – how two hearts may beat as one. In the first half of the song, all parts move more or less together in overlapping phrases. In the second half of the song, the Alto, Tenor and Bass parts take on a heartbeat rhythm underlying the Soprano line. Each part sings the personal pronouns that fit their own point of view (the men talk about ‘her’ heart, the women about ‘his’ and so on) – but feel free to adapt all personal pronouns for a same-sex marriage.
My true love hath my heart, and I have his,
By just exchange, one for the other given.
I hold his dear, and mine he cannot miss;
There never was a better bargain driven.
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
His heart in me keeps me and him in one,
My heart in him his thoughts and senses guides;
He loves my heart, for once it was his own;
I cherish his, because in me it bides.
My true love hath my heart and I have his.
Sir Philip Sidney
(original slightly longer and entitled The Bargain)