As long as we're on the subject...this is pretty much a nonsequitur to the last posting, but I've always been fond of Garrison Keillor's "Lake Wobegon School Hymn," which despite its reference to cow manure seems better suited to Dvorak's wonderful tune than the "Going home" lyric. I just don't get the tune as a dirge; to me it seems more pastoral/bucolic, as are these lyrics. I think Keillor's on the right track here: LAKE WOBEGON SCHOOL HYMN Lyrics by Garrison Keillor Morning light, soft and bright, Wobegon revealed, Early frost all across farm and woods and fields Coffee done, I'll have some, step outside alone Look around, set me down on a slab of stone By the barn, cattle turn, murmur in the pen Soft and pure, cow manure, I know where I am. I know where I am…. …I am home again. Precious Lord, by your word simple gifts are blessed Creatures all great and small heav'nly love express Love and faithfulness Let the promise of salvation Come by daily observation In this farmyard, Lord, be with us. My old dog takes his walk, sniffing every tree Every smell seems to tell his biography Chickens dash 'cross the grass, cats patrol the yard Seven geese marching east form an honor guard Then the small trumpet call ringing to the skies Three loud barks -- arrf! arrf! arrf! -- wake up and arise. Be in paradise, be in paradise.
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