The Boat
Composed by 
David Leisner
David Leisner Text by 
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore Heaven’s River Song Collection
"The Boat" is a song from David Leisner's song cycle Heaven's River, which sets the poetry of Rabindranath Tagore.
The audio selection features Courtenay Budd, soprano, and David Leisner, guitar. The recording is from a live performance in New York, 2009. Used with the permission of the composer.
Text
The Boat
by Rabindranath Tagore
Early in the day it was whispered that we should sail in a boat, only thou and I,
and never a soul in the world would know of this our pilgrimage to no country and to no end.
In that shoreless ocean, at thy silently listening smile my songs would swell in melodies, free as waves, free from all bondage of words.
Is the time not come yet? Are there works still to do?
Lo, the evening has come down upon the shore
and in the fading light the seabirds come flying to their nests.
Who knows when the chains will be off, and the boat,
like the last glimmer of sunset, vanish into the night?
Audio
“The Boat” (from “Heaven’s River”)
Courtenay Budd (soprano) & David Leisner (guitar)3:45
Sheet Music
Heaven’s River
David Leisner
1. The Boat
2. Light
3. To the Stream
2. Light
3. To the Stream