Lamentation over Boston (William Billings)
Music files
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- CPDL #33121:
- Editor: Barry Johnston (submitted 2014-10-11). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 93 kB Copyright: Public Domain
- Edition notes: Complete score, oval-note format. Transcribed from The Singing-Master's Assistant, 1778.
- CPDL #02039:
- Editor: Laura Conrad (submitted 2001-01-31). Copyright: GnuGPL
- Edition notes: Partbook format.
- CPDL #02038:
- Editor: Laura Conrad (submitted 2001-01-31). Copyright: GnuGPL
- Edition notes: Score format.
Possible error(s) identified. Error summary: In the above two links, the work only available in partbook format, shape-note. There is also a LilyPond file in partbook format. ID #2039 does not exist.
General Information
Title: Lamentation over Boston
Composer: William Billings
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Anthem
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
Published: Singing Master's Assistant (1778)
Description: A setting of a text (apparently by Billings) alluding to Psalm 137, Jeremiah 3:21 and 31:20, and to the events of the American Revolution. A personal, emotional statement, and a powerful illustration of how the American Revolution tore families and friends apart.
References: Barbour (1960), pages 11, 110-112.
Original text and translations
English text
By the Rivers of Watertown we sat down and wept,
we wept when we remember'd, O Boston.
Lord God of Heaven, preserve them, defend them,
deliver and restore them unto us again.
Forbid it, Lord God,
forbid that those who have sucked Bostonian Breasts
should thirst for American Blood.
A voice was heard in Roxbury which eccho'd thro' the Continent,
weeping for Boston because of their Danger.
Is Boston my dear Town, is it my native Place?
for since their Calamity I do earnestly remember it still!
If I forget thee, yea, if I do not remember thee,
Then let my numbers cease to flow, Then be my Muse unkind,
Then let my Tongue forget to move and ever be confin'd;
Let horrid Jargon split the Air and rive my nerves asunder.
Let hateful discord greet my ear as terrible as Thunder.
Let harmony be banish'd hence and Consonance depart;
Let dissonance erect her throne and reign within my Heart.