Ashokan Farewell

[susangm]

I did a google search for lyrics Ashokan Farewell. I got several links but Youtube won't let me post them here. Just do a google search and you will find the links to the lyrics.

[judyscrawford]

Has anyone written down the poem on the video? I would like a copy of the poem and before I type it up I wondered if someone had already done so.

[gram8652]

this was played at my husbands funeral by my 13 yr old daughter's orchastra class...this song will be forever imbeded in my heart...thank you for such a great video

[susangm]

@gram8652 I am so sorry for your loss. I hope hearing the song gave you some comfort and perhaps a reminder of the love you shared with your beloved husband.

[rockgor]

If Jay Unger wrote only this song, he would still be one of our greatest

composers.

Illustrating that sometimes history is just around the corner, my grandfather

was alive when Lincoln was in the White House. And one of granpa's

daughters is still living.

Tnx 4 the beautiful post.

[susangm]

@rockgor Thank you for your comment and I am so glad you enjoyed the video. I'm sure your grandfather must have had some interesting stories to tell!

[archiecook55]

We are working on singing this song for choir. Such a beautiful song. :,)

[MrBlacklabel5150]

wow...beautiful! as a southerner, a Virginian, and an American, the Civil War was a crossroads for this nation and as shelby foote put it, "any understanding of this nation has to be based on an understanding of the civil war". This song, even though its a 20th century composition, it brings the feelings to the forefront, and this rendition is flawless...almost rivaling the original. Well done!

[STANLEYCOURT]

Superb!

[STANLEYCOURT]

Damndest most poignant piece I evah did hear.

[susangm]

Thank you SO very much! I get more comments about this video and the "City of New Orleans" video than all the others combined. But especially this one.

[playwrite27nancyg]

When I first heard Molly Mason sing this, I was moved to tears. I honestly think this is one of the most romantic songs of all time.

[playwrite27nancyg]

This tribute to a lost town in the Catskill mountains (now the resavoir serving New York City), is utterly beautuf, a song about a soldier leaving his lover behind as he goes off to war---and so are the lyrics. "The sun is sinking low, in the sky above Ashoken, the pines and the willows know soon we must part, there's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken, and the love which will always remain in my heart, under the moon, the mountains are sleeping, over the lake the stars shine..."

[Collinfan94]

Thank you for posting, I cry every time i hear it, what a beautiful rendition...

[rowan729]

I had 2 play this on violin 4 school tehn I broke my thumb and then I couldn't play! :( luv the lyrics/poem :)

[Savannah1Emily1]

In my chorus class we are singing this!! We LOVE this song! We enjoy this everytime ourteacher plays this on either the cd or the piano. We also played this at my uncles funeral.. You will be greatly missed!!

[Cooncay]

We're actually playing this song in my orchestra, truly, it is an absolutely beautiful piece of music. You've done a brilliant job playing this!

[Einherjar29]

I am not American, but many years ago this music, accompanied by the Gettysberg Address on the Ken Burns series The Civil War rekindled something I had lost - faith in democracy.

As I watch my beloved England fall under the hammer blows of the political tyranny of the EU I came searching for this song to rekindle that faith once again.

I am immensely saddened to admit it has not.

In Europe at least Democracy has failed.

Do not follow us down that path.

It will break your heart!

[flattop32355]

Democracy hasn't failed in Europe so much as it has been shoved to the side by those who (mistakenly, I believe) think that government should take care of its citizens, rather than provide the environment for them to take care of themselves.

It is possible that, one day, the weight of those decisions and the accumulated expense will show that they were in error. That doesn't guarantee that they will not keep trying "new and improved" ways to make the dead dog look alive.

[captjohnmatch56]

our country has come a long way for the good and bad-i just hope she still will hold dear what was important when she was formed-indepence,freedom and liberty.

[dunczjssdf]

wonderful piece of music - I havent

heard this for years - first heard it at

a Barn Dance, it was played at the end

of the evening .

[calady11]

Today was the first time I heard this song....my son was playing it on his guitar. I asked what the name of it was and he said it was from a Civil War program that was on TV quite awhile ago. It's a very beautiful but sad song.

[gogojuno]

Hi Susangm,absolutely beautiful and touching. I like equally the original and yours. Bravo! I'm having hard time reading the lyrics. Is there any other way that I can get the lyrics of the song? Thank you for posting!

[susangm]

Thank you so much for your kind remarks. If you would like to know the lyrics for the song, just do a google search with the words "ashokan farewell lyrics" and you will see links to pages with the words to the song. Hope this helps!

[lb05271994]

Absolutely wonderful rendition...I've sang this song for choir many times and enjoy it every time.

[emorypaine]

i played this for my grandfathers funeral a few months back...this will always help me remember him, thank you for this beautiful version

[photura]

I found your version on you tube.I just sent this to a friend of mine in Mich. I told her this was based on the Civil War.I also told her that whenever i hear this music my eyes tear up.And looking at the photos in the background it shows of an earlier war where sould were taken.If only World leaders were able to listen to your variation of Ashokan Farewell maybe they could see that wars don't do anything take innocent lives and leave pain for eternity...Thank you for this.

[joeinmaryland]

Susangm, it's seldom that we find renditions this well done, and in my opinion at least equal to or superior to the original's impact on us. Thanks so very much for sharing your gift with us.

[susangm]

Thank you so very much for your kind comment, Joe. I have been overwhelmed by the lovely responses I have received from this video. There have been more comments on this one than any of my others and I am so gratified that people find this one so enjoyable.

[rugbyhottie5]

i sing this chrous!

[bunnygirlsaunt]

My Dad and I loved the Civil War series, so when he walked me down the aisle it was to Ashokan Farewell. We both cried. When my beloved Bill died, it was played at his memorial service. Thank you for this gorgeous rendition of the song. Such a touching, touching piece of music.

[susangm]

Oh dear, I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know what the song means to you. I love it too!

[boudolce]

Doesn't this song just touch every single memory? Its amazing, I actually can almost hear my Bill's laughter, and feel him close. When I am missing him massively, I come listen to this. Keep believeing, no matter what, we were blessed.

[TrojanSkyCop]

A beautiful rendition, ever more so, I daresay, than the version on the Ken Burns documentary soundtrack.

What I'm curious to know is, were these Jay Ungar's original lyrics, or did SusanGM come up with them herself? I don't recall coming across the lyrics anyplace else.

[heavyarms01h]

They were written after the song came out and are used in a vocal version done by Priscilla Herdman. Beautiful, aren't they?

[ChubbyCheckerChannel]

gorgeous melody

[amyismycat]

this song makes me want to cry.

[boudolce]

This was my husband's and my song even before I knew it had lyrics. When I saw them, it was more tender and touching than I can relate. He died suddenly, and our last memories were of a beautiful hillside home we shared for only ten months. Thank you for the lovely rendition.

[rockgor]

Beautiful melody; beautiful performance.

The Civil War was stupid and senseless, of course. Robert Ardrey said we will always have wars because people require three things: security, identity, and stiumulation. War provides all three.

[rod1148]

To very loosely paraphrase President Kennedy (who happened to be murdered 45 years ago today) "wars will continue until the conscientious objector has just as many holidays to honor him as does the war veteran."

[auroraaborealisss]

I played this in my junior district band 3 or 4 months ago and its been stuck in my head all that time. I never knew there were lyrics. This is an absolutely beautiful song and I absolutely this version of it. Thanks so much!!!

[rockgor]

Yes, a beautiful melody and a lovely performance. And while it fitted the Civil War documentary perfectly, it was not written w/ the Civil War, or any war, in mind.

[ditworthy]

Incredible. Beautiful. Best version of this song that I've heard.

[pipertastic]

Just magic. Now arranged for brass band, a musical piece of art.

[thekrazygirl567]

im doing this peice for band class!

[axeholm]

A truely great piece of music and equally splendid rendition of Jay Ungars masterpiece played by such a talented artist. Jay captured the body and mood of such a magnificent and tragic time in of history. This music will live forever.

[lovejd2]

This is a great piece of music. My daughter's youth orchestra played it for a concert and then when her grand mom passed, they played it for her at her funeral. Very, very touching.....I still cry whenever I hear it. thank you for sharing.

[susangm]

It is a touching piece, isn't it? Mournful and yet at the same time it brings out deep feelings one can't always describe. Bless those band members who played it for your loved one.

[ashokanmemory]

I loved this. I sang this song at my dad's funeral when he passed away at the age of 49, from Leukemia. I was only 17 when he passed. He was an avid civil reenactor and this song always bring back the fondest memories of my daddy :o). Thank you.

[susangm]

I'm glad to know that my small effort brought back loving memories of your Daddy.

[googieengland]

This must be one the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard. A beatiful piece so beautifully played.

[susangm]

Thank you so very much. Your comments are gratefully appreciated.

[simgadraco2005]

truly awesome piece of music :)

[brutus082]

I get chills when i listen to this, simply beautiful.

[susangm]

That is so sweet of you. Thank you! I too am touched by music in deeply spiritual ways.

[glguitars906]

we got this in band a while ago. stunning song, especially when the alto saxes play the melody.

[scottrollinstube]

god bless America this is my favorite song in the whole wide world and the arrangement and graphics are completely off the wall 5/5 and instant favorite from me!^^

[susangm]

Thank you thank you thank you!!! I have received more comments on this video than all the others I have done put together! So glad people like it.

[barbkaus]

Love Jay Ungar music. Great job!!

[spiderz7]

My God that is beautiful. I remember the Civil War series and I studied the American Civil war in high school even though I am not from the USA. This tune just sends chills through me and the words are just so moving. God Bless all those that fell in the 'Brothers War'

[susangm]

Thank you SO much. I am just stunned and humbled by all the generous comments on this video. I did this one so long ago I can't even remember when! I have more music videos on livevideo dot com where the audio is better!

[spiderz7]

Your'e very welcome.

[TrojanSkyCop]

Wow, beautiful song, I've loved it since buying the soundtrack to the Ken Burns film, and up until now I didn't realize there were actual lyrics--thank you!

[silentXnoXmore]

I didn't realize what I was doing untill they asked me to come up and sing the song with them! I was the only one out of 1800's costume : P

[silentXnoXmore]

Dude were singing this in choir, and I've heard it so many times at a local historical event that I could puke. Though I actually like it! What's crazy is when we first heard it in choir I didn't put the two together. When I went to the "Historical Event" and heard the song playing accousticly in a tent, with people sitting on haybales watching and listening I just started singing.

[Emmylongy]

I love this song so much. I enjoy it much more on the violin, but your version is wonderful, too.

[MiRmIr319]

the best songe ever

[maybrook1]

NY Catskills ftw

[Starrsflower]

I thought it was good and don't know how I got here.

[susangm]

Well, however you got here, I'm glad you did! I have more and better music videos on the Live Video website. Same user name.

Thanks for stopping by even if it was an accident! lol

[maineman527]

I am going to have this played at my funeral

[FlaviaR]

That last picture was a re-enactor!

Thanks for not only your lovely version, but the lyrics.

[susangm]

Yes. It was. As well as the picture before it.

[FlaviaR]

Way cool the way they fit in - love it!

[irelande]

Lovely, but please someone post the Band of H.M.Royal Marines playing this so that more music lovers can hear the best version ever of the Ashokan Farewell. Support our troops, British and American.

[choccy006]

I,also, meant to add that this is the first time I've seen the lyrics for 'Ashokan Farewell' - so thanks for those, too!!

[googieengland]

One of the most beautiful pieces of music I have heard and so moving.

[susangm]

Oh my goodness. THank you!!!!

[choccy006]

That's a beautiful rendition of one of my favourite pieces of music. Thanks for sharing!

[susangm]

Thank you so very much. I just can't believe how much feedback is coming about this video. I am humbled!

[widgywji]

Thanks, Susan . . . brilliant piece of playing. Am I the only other person on the planet who recognized the harpsichord?

[susangm]

Thank you so very much. I'm so happy you enjoyed it. But it was banjo, guitar and dulcimer in the piece.

[widgywji]

Thank you, Susan, for drawing this to my attention. My buddy in our band built a harpsichord from a kit and the plectrum sound is recognizable. After many years playing guitar, I've never seen nor heard a dulcimer. After looking up on the web, it begs the question: Is yours an Appalachian dulcimer or a hammer dulcimer? Ah, the plot thickens! Anyway, let me restated my comment. "Am I the only one who thought it was a harpsichord?" Apparently so.

[susangm]

Thank you for your question, widgywji. All my music is done in midi format. That is, I used a Korg 01w/fd keyboard synthesizer to create the music. That particular keyboard has some wonderful sounds and the dulcimer patch sounded to me like a hammer dulcimer.

[Questwoman]

The faces have changed but all wars are much the same. Heatbreaking. This music captures the sadness. Thank you for this.

[chmayer]

Thanks, Susan! : )

I've always liked this music so much (as well as the Ken Burns documentaries...). It's nice to get an extra chance to hear this piece thanks to you and your efforts.

I especially appreciate that you added the lyrics to this music (I didn't even know there were any lyrics, but guessed as much). Also appreciated are the period photos you added.

Again, thanks. : ) I'll be adding this to my "favs" here.

Carolyn

[chibinski]

Q: why can't folks enjoy a rendition for what it has to offer? why must it have to be hurtful---to compare---and to minimalize another's offering---and further, who was appointed god over youtube anyway? this is a beautiful rendition; and the video is super ('cause i love the words to ashokan farewell). but, that doesn't lessen someone else's contribution to this music, much less the author of this very powerful music.

[susangm]

Thank you ALL for your comments on my rendition of Ashokan Farewell. It thrills me that you all think it worthy of discussion, no matter whether you like my version or the original better! I simply love the tune and I love reading your words.

[naobrien77]

Nice to see such beatiful words to such a beatiful song...

[Mana1Gal]

this is really good....I like the pics of the Civil War that are incorporated into the clips....

[scouterjim]

I fell in love with this tune watching PBS' Civil War. Your rendition is magnificent.

[susangm]

Thank you so very much! Comments like yours makes me inspired to upload more of my tunes!

[jeanphilliperameau]

Extremely good interpretation of Ashokan Farewell. I like yours much better than the one on PBS. Your choice of instrument(s) is more appropriate than a violin. I find the other one overdone a bit. Is that a dulcimer?

[susangm]

Thank you so much!  I used banjo, acoustic guitar and dulcimer sounds.

[KanzlerM]

The one on PBS was performed by the person who wrote this song (Jay Ungar) in the way it was meant to be.

Nothing wrong with this one, but nothing captures it like the original.

[jeanphilliperameau]

..Still say this version is better than that performed by Jay Ungar. His is a bit too much, overly sentimental...whereas this performer seems to have struck the right balance. She captures it very well. Pretty good for someone who did it for free. He should pay her for her version. She's done a better job.

[KanzlerM]

It was supposed to be sentimental.

It was inspired by the empty feeling one gets after summer camp when you say goodbye to friends you've made over the course of a few weeks of life with them. A bond occurs, and saying goodbye is quite sad.

Have a look at the video posted by ryerin on youtube, it includes an interview with Jay Ungar.

[dustypuppy]

nice :)

well done my dear

truly lovely

[susangm]

Thanks so much, Dwight. You're a peach!!! I always check your channel to see if you've put up something new. I love your music! And well, I just think you must be a very cool guy.