Details
- Instrument:
- Choir
- Genres:
- 20th Century Country Folk Standards Pop
- Composers:
- Roger Whittaker
- Publishers:
- J. J. Gamble
- Series:
- ArrangeMe
- Item types:
- Digital
- Level:
- Early Intermediate
- Artist:
- Roger Whittaker
- Usages:
- School and Community
- Number of Pages:
- 10
SKU: A0.1836901
By Whittaker Roger. Composed by Roger Whittaker. Arranged by Jerry Gamble. This edition: pdf, streaming. 20th Century, Country, Folk, Pop, Standards. 10 pages. J. J. Gamble #1396458. Published by J. J. Gamble (A0.1836901).“The Last Farewell” is a timeless folk-ballad originally recorded by Roger Whittaker, telling the emotional story of a sailor bidding goodbye to a beloved land and love as he prepares to return to England and face war.
In this SATB choral arrangement by Jerry Gamble, the song’s narrative — rich with imagery of sea, sacrifice and steadfast love — is transformed into a lush four-part choral work:
• Soprano and Alto lines often carry the soaring melody and harmonized refrains, expressing longing and tenderness.
• Tenor and Bass provide grounding harmony and rhythmic momentum, echoing the weight of the sailor’s journey and duty.
• The male choir sections evoke the vast ocean and the solemn farewell, while the full ensemble swells on the powerful refrain — “For you are beautiful, and I have loved you dearly…” — capturing the emotional core of the story.
The lyrics describe a ship waiting in harbour, bound “tomorrow for old England,” and the narrator’s bittersweet farewell to a tropical paradise and the beloved left behind. War looms on the horizon, yet it is the pain of parting that resonates most deeply as he reflects on love, memory, and hope.
In performance, Gamble’s SATB arrangement enhances these themes musically — bringing out the drama, tenderness, and nostalgia of Whittaker’s original folk ballad through rich choir textures and dynamic shifts.
Whether heard in concert or in worship, this setting makes the story’s emotion even more vivid and communal.
About ArrangeMe
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's self-publishing community for independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. Discover unique arrangements of popular titles and original compositions from diverse creators. The length, difficulty, and pricing are determined by the arranger or composer.
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- More by this Composer:
- Roger Whittaker Roger Whittaker Choir Roger Whittaker Piano Roger Whittaker Voice
- ArrangeMe:
- J. J. Gamble
- Series:
- ArrangeMe
- Artists:
- Roger Whittaker
- Publisher:
- J. J. Gamble