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Rose Publications (The Rose Ensemble)
Still Water
Thomas Hastings (1784–1872)
A reflective song of faith set as an inviting country waltz.
S solo, SATB, fiddle, guitar, string bass
In an arrangement reminiscent of family-gospel-quartet style, vocal and fiddle soloists have opportunities for improvisation. The score contains source information, historical context, editorial notes, and performance suggestions.
Composer’s Notes
Near the end of the 19th century, the simple but infectious music of the revival tents and missionary halls began to overshadow the traditional folksongs that had once dominated the sacred and secular worlds. They feature characteristically simple melodies, catchy rhythms, and refrains that are easy to remember.
“Still Water” represents a musical and spiritual movement to bring the city-dwelling faithful back in touch with the folk roots of Anglo-American Christianity. This arrangement holds fast to the rhythmic strength of the poetry, but the addition of guitar and fiddle perhaps gives a glimpse of what would become (years later) “Old-Time Music.”
Other compositions by Thomas Hastings include the beloved hymn tunes ORTONVILLE (“How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds”) and TOPLADY (“Rock of Ages”).
On the surface, this text may sound like a paraphrase of Psalm 23; and such paraphrases are often paired with this tune. Hastings clearly indicates here, though, that this is inspired by Song of Solomon 1: 7-8—
Tell me, O thou whom my soul loveth, where thou feedest, where thou
makest thy flock to rest at noon: for why should I be as one that turneth aside by the flocks of thy companions?
If thou know not, O thou fairest among women, go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock, and feed thy kids beside the shepherds’ tents.
Text
1. Oh, tell me, thou life and delight of my soul,
Where the flock of thy pasture are feeding,
I seek thy protection, I need thy control,
I would go where my Shepherd is leading.
2. Oh, tell me the place where thy flock are at rest,
Where the noontide will find them reposing;
The tempest now rages, my soul is distressed,
And the pathway of peace I am losing.
3. Ah, when shall my woes and my wanderings cease,
And the follies that fill me with weeping?
Thou Shepherd of Israel, restore me that peace,
Thou dost give to the flock thou art keeping.
4. A voice from the Shepherd now bids me return
By the way where the footprints are lying;
No longer to wander, no longer to mourn:
And homeward my spirit is flying.
-Hastings
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