All My Trials

A very poignant song. Phrases such as "Hush little baby, don't you cry, you know your mama was born to die," or "Oh my brothers, I must leave you here behind," view the approach of death in terms of those left behind. The accompaniment of repeated eighth-note chords is marked as if trembling or sobbing. Although the harmonic language is tonal and consonant almost entirely throughout the song, a few dissonances appear near the end, reflecting the pain of parting.