Gwyneth Walker

Maid of Constant Sorrow

for SSA Chorus and Piano (2014)

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Download a PDF file of the choral score of this composition. For perusal only -- not printable.


A familiar American folk song is "A Man of Constant Sorrow." Adaptations exist for a maid of constant sorrow as well. This is a very simple melody, placed in the key of C major. The message is a mournful one. The soul is troubled, and not at rest. "All through this world, I'm bound to ramble...perhaps I'll take the very next train." Then, later, "perhaps I'll die upon this train." Some comfort is taken with the lines "I know we'll meet on God's Golden Shore." But the life on this earth is one of constant sorrow.

Notes by the composer