The Land of Dreams

"The Land of Dreams," whose text comes from Blake's poem "Awake, awake my little boy," is the third song in Virgil Thomson's song cycle Five Songs from William Blake.

Date: 1953Composer: Virgil ThomsonText: William BlakeSong Collection: Five Songs From William Blake

Print vitals & song text

Text

Awake, Awake My Little Boy
by William Blake

Awake, awake my little boy,
thou wast thy mother’s only joy.
Why dost thou weep in thy gentle sleep?
Awake, thy father does thee keep.
Oh, what land is the land of dreams?
What are its mountains and what are its streams?
O father, I saw my mother there,
among the lilies by waters fair.
Among the lambs clothed in white,
she walked with her Thomas in sweet delight.
I wept for joy; like a dove I mourn.
Oh, when shall I again return?
Dear child, I also by pleasand streams
have wandered all night in the land of dreams;
but though calm and warm the waters wide,
I could not get to the other side?
Father, O father, what do we here,
in this land of unbelief and fear?
The land of dreams is better far —
above the light of the morning star.

Sheet Music

Five Songs From William Blake

Composer(s): Virgil Thomson

Voice Type: Low

Buy via Sheet Music Plus

Support us and help us grow

Dear friends, Thank you for helping us build a comprehensive online archive of American song. Your gift is greatly appreciated.