Description
Inspired by the motto of Bidderford, Maine: “A Proud City Rising Where the Water Falls”. Commissioned by Biddeford High School Singers.
Translation of Haitian Creole & French text:
Our life here on earth is full of thorns;
When there’s no sickness, there is misery, there is chaos.
Hatred and fear entwined with envy
Knock us straight to the ground.
Look forward, not backward.
The old wise ones tell us: the first fall is no failure.
Falling is not the end, it’s not getting up that is unacceptable.
No one on earth should live on their knees;
Let’s stand up and be proud, the divine is in us.
Rise up, dear friend. Rise up!
Let’s stand up, let’s stand proud!
It is in perseverance that we will find triumph.
Moaning and crying can not be the solution.
Let us rise up, let us look forward…
Click Here for complete text and English translation
Recordings
Leve Kanpe – recording:
Biddeford High School Singers
Christopher N. Ferrell, conductor
Biddeford, Maine – May 2019
Perusal Score
Performance Videos
Practice Tracks