Eastern influences are heard in beautiful parallel fourths, the swaying of the 6/8 meter, and hollow sounds of harmony. The lonely boat is a metaphor for a life in trouble, tossed on the cruel sea. Our hope is in the presence of Christ, standing by our side in the boat. Text painting clearly illustrates the scene of each stanza. The rise and fall of the water, the unrest of the spirit, and peace are all part of the woven melodic lines. The accompaniment maintains the eighth note pulse, moving as the waves under the lonely boat. Choral parts are moderately low and accessible to four-part ensembles. The most challenging element will be intonation of the fourths.
Performance options include singing the opening section as a solo. The a cappella segment includes cues in the piano part and may be doubled to support less experienced ensembles.
Appropriate days: Service themes on trust, healing and wholeness, sovereignty of God, and general worship.
