This benediction or valedictory song is a setting of traditional Irish words. It is available in three versions: for children’s (or upper) voices with an optional second (lower) part, three-part upper voices or SATB, each with piano accompaniment:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
May the warm sun fall on your home,
May the hand of a friend be always near,
May green be the grass you walk on,
And blue be the skies above you.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May pure be the joys that surround you,
May true be the hearts that love you.
And until we meet again
May God hold you in the hollow of his hand.
It is suitable for use as a sung closing blessing, or in services or concerts of farewell, at funerals and memorials, or for general use. The melody-only version can be heard (sung by a choir of Year 5 & 6 children) and the music followed in the video below.
A rendering of the SATB version, with the score, can be followed in the video below:
PrintYourOwn: You can purchase a licence and PDF download of your preferred version, from which you can make your own copies (minimum 20 copies), at a cost of £0.90 per licensed copy.
To enquire about placing an order, or for further information, contact David via this form.