MusicSpoke | Artist Owned Sheet Music™

About the Score

This brief work for mixed choir and piano admonishes the listener to make the most of their youth while they still have it. Time moves ever forward, and although Spring returns each year, "there are no birds in last year's nest."

The piano accompaniment may be played four-hand, if needed. All choral parts have limited divisi. The piece also offers a brief opportunity for a soprano (or possibly tenor) soloist. Duration: 4 1/2 min.

It Is Not Always May by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The sun is bright,--the air is clear, The darting swallows soar and sing. And from the stately elms I hear The bluebird prophesying Spring. So blue yon winding river flows, It seems an outlet from the sky, Where waiting till the west-wind blows, The freighted clouds at anchor lie. All things are new;--the buds, the leaves, That gild the elm-tree's nodding crest, And even the nest beneath the eaves;-- There are no birds in last year's nest! All things rejoice in youth and love, The fulness of their first delight! And learn from the soft heavens above The melting tenderness of night. Maiden, that read'st this simple rhyme, Enjoy thy youth, it will not stay; Enjoy the fragrance of thy prime, For oh, it is not always May! Enjoy the Spring of Love and Youth, To some good angel leave the rest; For Time will teach thee soon the truth, There are no birds in last year's nest!

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