Gold Can't Buy You Health (2020)

for soprano and piano

Duration: 3:45

Composed in virtual collaboration with Ann Moreno (soprano) during the COVID-19 pandemic, with text adapted from Thomas Nashe's A Litany in Time of Plague (from the play, Summer's Last Will and Testament, ca. 1592).

Text:

This world is uncertain;

All things are made to end.

Lord, have mercy on us.

Adieu, farewell, earth's bliss;

This world is uncertain;

Fond are life's lustful joys;

But Death proves them all toys.

I am sick, and I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

I am sick, and I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Beauty is but a flower;

Which wrinkles will devour;

Queens have died young and fair;

And brightness is fallin' from the air.

I am sick, and I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Earth is but a player's stage;

Heaven Is our heritage.

Lord, have mercy on us!

Gold can't buy you health;

Gold can't buy you health;

Trust not In your wealth;

Gold can't buy you health.

I am sick, I must die.

Gold can't buy you health;

Gold can't buy you health;

The plague full swift goes by;

Gold can't buy you health.

I am sick, I must die;

I am sick, I must die;

I am sick, and I must die.

Lord, have mercy on us!

© 2020, Lyons Music (ASCAP)