Dream Variations

"Dream Variations" is a song by Brandon Spencer on the often set poem by Langston Hughes. This song won first composition prize at the 2017 George Shirley Competition. It has since been performed from Los Angeles to Hamburg.

Composer: Brandon J SpencerText: Langston Hughes

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Text

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
    Dark like me—
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening . . .
A tall, slim tree . . .
Night coming tenderly
    Black like me.

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