Michael Hanna: Music (click titles)

• MP3 short clip, hi-fi play (broadband)

Folksongs have a way of stirring the wistful within us, through simple words set to a simple tune. This piece, which Michael adapted from one of his original folksongs, sings of lovers separated, longing to be reunited.

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O, the sunrise o'er the praire,
O, the sky deep as the sea,
O, the wind whis'pring my love's name,
far away, come back to me.
O, my love lies o'er the mountains
sleeping softly on the dawn.
Though my heart breaks
my hope breaks not,
though now she is gone. And the stars afford me comfort,
and the sunlight through the day,
consoles me for my love lies
far away, O, far away.

O, my tears fall like the rain falls,
falling softly o'er the plain.
Now I weep for my love lost
'til the day we meet again.
Far away now does my love sleep
though all grows faint and still,
for now I see all but dimly
and turn mine eyes unto the hills. In the valley dark and lonely,
even death it shall not stay,
for your love is always with me,
e'en far away, O, far away.

And your love transcends the darkness,
bringing light unto mine eyes.
Love greater than faith, hope,
as everlasting as the skies. Though my life ebbs, still my love flows
o'er the mountains tall and grey.
Bear me gently to my love's side,
far away, O, far away.