Track 3. Crossing The Bar (Tennyson, 1889)

When I first became Town Crier, the Bell Man of the Court Leet of Watchet, I looked up the previous town criers to find out more about them. Yankee Jack was one of those former town criers, and I discovered that the Tennyson poem 'Crossing the Bar' was one of his favourite songs. The love of that poem was shared by another member of the Court Leet, Ben Norman. I had the great honour of singing this song with Ben Norman shortly before he passed away.

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.

When I put out to sea, when I put out to sea. And may there be no moaning of the bar when I put out to sea.

Twilight and evening bell, and after that the dark! And may there be no sadness or farewell when I embark.

When I embark, when I embark, and may there be no sadness or farewell when I embark.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep, too full for sound and foam, when that which drew from out the boundless deep turns again home.

Turns again home, turns again home, when that which drew from out the boundless deep turns again home.

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.

When I have crossed the bar, when I have crossed the bar. I hope to see my Pilot face to face when I have crossed the bar.