Go With Me (2022)

"Go with me where there is no destruction or war;

Neither tyrants, or sland’rers, or nations ajar;

Where the system is perfect, and happiness free,

And the life is eternal with God: Come to me.

Go with me, will you go to the mansions above,

Where the bliss and the knowledge, the light, and the love,

And the glory of God, do eternally be?—

Death, the wages of sin, is not here: Go with me."

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These beautiful words were penned by William W. Phelps, and were originally titled Vade Mecum, translated to mean Go With Me. It is from these words that my work takes inspiration. It's words beckon the reader to imagine "the next, better world", to imagine what the next world will be like. It will be free from pain, from suffering, all will be in harmony and we will experience joy for eternity. It was written at a time when William and those around him were being persecuted, and suffered much. It was written at a time when the promise of a better world was all some could hold on to.

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In my work, Go With Me, I attempt to put these sacred words to song. I try to portray something divine, something heavenly, in my 2nd choral work. Come with me on a journey, and follow Phelp's call. Come with me.