CROSSING THE BAR
Lyrics by Alfred Lord Tennyson, Music by Rani Arbo
This poem Crossing the Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson is one of the poet's last. This rendition was adapted by Rani Arbo who gave it its beautiful, natural melody. When you listen to Rani's rendition of her song on the YouTube below, listen to her wonderful phrasing and try to imitate it as closely as you can. If your listeners need a good cry, this song opens the door. A clear metaphor for the impending end of life, the lyric within this simplest of melodies imparts profound comfort - a perfect farewell. On the YouTube, Rani sings it in the key of Bb. We have transposed the key to C for ease of play and fullness of voices as sung by a group.