These Are Not My Fathers’ Lands
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About This Piece
From the composer of “Rise” comes a stark and searing a cappella work that reckons with our collective pasts. The original text refuses easy answers, then turns at “Brother, walk with me” toward something that might still grow. An unforgettable choice for contests and festivals, and for high school and collegiate choirs with something to say. Do not miss this showstopper!
Details
- Voicing
- SATB
- Composer
- Tyler Busick
- Duration
- 3:48
Tyler Busick teaches choir at Trenton High School and Middle School in Trenton, Missouri. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Missouri. Under his direction, the Trenton High School choirs have consistently earned Exemplary ratings at the state Large Group Contest. In 2023, he was named Trenton R-9 District Teacher of the Year, and in 2024, was recognized as Northwest Missouri Outstanding Director by the Missouri Choral Directors Association. Beyond his work as an educator and composer, Tyler serves the broader community as director of the Grand River Valley Community Choir and worship leader at Hodge Presbyterian Church. He and his wife, Ashlen, along with their three children—Liam, Alivia, and Spencer—also care for ten chickens and a three-legged Goldendoodle named Legolas.
Read more →Full Text
These are not my fathers’ lands. These stones know not my name. On blood-rich soil, with blood-stained hands, I bear my mothers’ shame. These roots, they cry for songs of old. Their mournings knell in vain. For tales no more, for lore untold, unsung, unborn, unnamed. Brother, walk with me, pierce not again. These wounds they bear our sign. Sister, come sow now what still may grow, and bid these lands bring life in time. These are not my fathers’ lands. These stones know not my name. In vain I wash these blood-stained hands, I bear my mothers’ shame.