'Crossing the Bar' - Alfred Lord Tennyson

There was a general murmur of appreciation and anticipation when the leader of the Spooky Men's Chorale announced their penultimate song based on Tennyson's famous poem at their performance in Kendal last night (21st July)

 In contrast to most of the rest of the their show which is fabulously clever, brilliantly arranged and sung and very, very funny indeed, this one held the throat until long after the performance ended.

 If you get chance to see them, sell everything to get a ticket: they were sold out last night and every seat was occupied an hour before they kicked off.

 Plug in the earphones to catch the chaps singing the song here.

The Aussie maestros are at Womad this weekend.




Crossing the Bar

 Sunset and evening star,
  And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
  When I put out to sea.

 But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
  Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep,

    Turns home again.

 Twilight and evening bell,
  And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
   When I embark;

 For though from out our bourne of Time and Place

    The flood may bear me far,
 I hope to see my Pilot face to face
   When I have crossed the bar.





Alfred Lord Tennyson







The Spooky Mens Chorale


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