A Sigh of the Weary (2024)

Wind Band - Grade 2.5 - MIDI Demo

About 10 years ago, my sister Jayci and I went to see Kristin Chenoweth perform in Broken Arrow and in the middle of her set, she announced the next song which was to be a Stephen Foster song. I appreciate what Stephen Foster means to the American Songbook, but I'm not a huge fan, per se.

This song was different - it had a message of hope, longing for unity, and a beautiful melody. Written in 1854, in the days leading up to the Civil War, he paints a picture of the times:

"While we seek mirth and beauty
And music light and gay,
There are frail forms fainting at the door;
Though their voices are silent,
Their pleading looks will say:
Oh! Hard times come again no more!"

I fell in love with this song and its message and have always wanted to set it for Band - but nothing ever came of it, until earlier this week when I was inspired to finally sit down and do it.

"'Tis the song, the sigh of the weary,
Hard Times, hard times, come again no more.
Many days you have lingered around my cabin door;
Oh! Hard times come again no more!"

I hope you enjoy: A Sigh of the Weary