Farewell To Nova Scotia
SATB choral/piano score
PEL2110-Choir and Piano
Optional Organ Part
PEL2110-Organ
A WORK FOR SATB AND PIANO WITH OPTIONAL ORGAN
A new arrangement of the beloved Nova Scotian anthem, now with new harmonies and accompaniment by Paul Halley. One of three arrangements of traditional songs created by Paul Halley for Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir, spring 2024: Petty Harbour Bait Skiff, Farewell to Nova Scotia, The Leaving of Liverpool
Video
Notes
About this work, notes by Vanessa Halley, daughter of Paul Halley, for the Capella Regalis Men and Boys Choir recording "Songs of the Sea" (2025):
"In his Foreword to a children’s book about this song, Allister MacGillivray wrote: “’Farewell to Nova Scotia,’ also known as ‘The Nova Scotia Song,’ has been handed down from generation to generation since the 1800’s, steadily and gracefully emerging as an unofficial provincial anthem.” He relates how, in the 1930’s, Nova Scotian folklorist Dr. Helen Creighton collected several variations of the song, and eventually published a composite of these variations in her 1950 book, ‘Traditional Songs of Nova Scotia.’ MacGillivray explains, “In essence, that is the version that we know and love today.”
Although this piece has been recorded extensively (and there are many, many different versions out there – even Celtic punk rock!), I felt that Capella Regalis, being a Nova Scotian choir, could not release its first album of sea songs without including this song. Nick and I therefore asked Paul to arrange the piece for this CD project. Paul gave the song a dash of exotic allure by envisioning the military drums in a Brazilian-inspired Marcha rhythm, which he knew Nick could readily provide. Paul’s version was an immediate hit with the choristers and is a wonderful addition to the ‘Farewell’ canon!"
Texts
Farewell To Nova Scotia
Words: Anon. early 20th century
Music: Trad. (Nova Scotia)
Arranged by Paul Halley (1952 - )
1. The sun was setting in the west,
The birds were singing on every tree.
All nature seemed inclined to rest
But alas there was no rest for me.
Farewell to Nova Scotia, your sea-bound coast,
Let your mountains dark and dreary be.
For when I am far away on the briny ocean tossed,
Will you ever heave a sigh or a wish for me?
2. I grieve to leave my native land,
I grieve to leave my comrades all,
And my parents whom I love so dear,
And the bonnie, bonnie lass that I do adore. Chorus
3. The drums they beat and the wars do alarm,
The captain is calling, I must obey.
Farewell, farewell to Nova Scotia's charms,
For it's early in the morning and I'm far, far away. Chorus
4. I have three brothers, they are at rest,
Their arms are folded across their chest.
And a poor simple sailor just like me
Will be tossed and turned on the deep blue sea. Chorus
