Echoes of the Reaper

[Intro and Verse 1: Melancholic and Thoughtful, Narrative and Reflective] Behold her, single in the field, Yon solitary Highland Lass! Reaping and singing by herself; Stop here, or gently pass! Alone she cuts and binds the grain, And sings a melancholy strain; O listen! for the Vale profound Is overflowing with the sound. [Hook: Echoing and Resonant] O listen, the solitary voice, In the fields, she makes her choice. A song that speaks to every ear, Of truths untold, and sorrows near. [Instrumental Break: Haunting and Melodic] [Verse 2 and Bridge: Descriptive and Emotional, Sorrowful and Poignant] No Nightingale did ever chant So sweetly to reposing bands Of travellers in some shady haunt, Among Arabian sands. A voice so thrilling ne'er was heard In spring-time from the Cuckoo-bird, Breaking the silence of the seas Among the farthest Hebrides. [Hook Reprise: Echoing and Resonant] O listen, the solitary voice, In the fields, she makes her choice. A song that speaks to every ear, Of truths untold, and sorrows near. [Solo: Reflective and Introspective with a Sitar] [Verse 3 and Instrumental Break: Contemplative and Brooding, Mournful and Deep] Will no one tell me what she sings?— Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow For old, unhappy, far-off things, And battles long ago: Or is it some more humble lay, Familiar matter of to-day? Some natural sorrow, loss, or pain, That has been, and may be again? [Outro: Reflective and Hopeful] Whate'er the theme, the Maiden sang As if her song could have no ending; I saw her singing at her work, And o'er the sickle bending. [End]