• View A Score
    Preview Score

  • Length

    5 minutes


  • Difficulty

    Moderate


  • Voicing

    TTBB with Piano

    and opt. String Quartet

    SATB with Piano

    and opt. String Quartet


  • Purchase
    JW Pepper

Light the world

About the Piece

With text from the inaugural addresses of three former presidents (FDR, JFK, and Obama), this very inspirational and dramatic selection will be a great concert piece for more advanced mixed choirs. Featuring a variety of sections, this song in mixed meter includes a brief a cappella section toward the end and has a challenging piano accompaniment that your pianist will enjoy.

The Text

Shall we pause now and turn back upon the road that lies ahead? Shall we call this the promised land? Or shall we continue on our way?

For each age is a dream that is dying, or one that is coming to birth.

In the depths of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive, in the face of our dangers, let us brave once more the icy current, and survive what storms may come.

The energy, the faith, the devotion we bring to this endeavor will light our country, and all who serve it. And the glow from that fire, will truly light the world.