Description
This piece is dedicated to the victim of the Haiti Earthquake of January 12, 2010. The response “We’re Hangin’ On”, very popular among Haitians of a certain age, is the expression that best represents the resilient character of the Haitian people. Whatever their situation, as miserable as it might seem, ‘old folks’, ‘old school’ Haitians always declare without hesitation that they will prevail, even if they have to struggle. The attitude of the victims of the earthquake of January 12, 2010 is the most recent proof.
Likewise, to those who are planning the future of Haiti, be well aware…
“THE REED BENDS, BUT DOES NOT BREAK”
Translation of Haitian Creole text:
We’re Hangin’ On
Oh! What an unbearable pain!
Oh, gracious God!
What an unbearable sorrow!
The third bell of the Cathedral just rang;
The sun set long ago behind Mount Lopital…
Mother Nature derailed, straining everyone to misery.
Large structures and small rafts have turned to dust and ashes.
Jesus, Marie, and Joseph… Grace and Mercy…
Mother Nature derailed, straining everyone to misery.
We see, but we don’t understand,
It happened so suddenly.
The earth trembled!
The earth shook harder than a desert’s leaf.
Help! Help! Rescue me, I beg you!
I’m at a loss for words…
Dies irae, dies illa; (Day of wrath, day of anger)
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine.
(Grant them eternal rest, Lord.)
Haiti! Haiti! What an unbearable pain,
Tighten your belt.
Haiti! Haiti! You are a valiant woman,
Hang in there, don’t give up…
Click Here for complete text and English Translation
Click Here Traducción al Español
Recordings
N’ap Debat – recording:
2011 MSVMA High School Men’s Honor Choir
Brandon Ulrich, conductor
Perusal Score
Performance Videos
Practice Tracks
