Marsh Family Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II (adaptation of "Edelweiss" from "The Sound of Music")

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This is our small tribute for Queen Elizabeth II, who died on Thursday, after acting as Head of State in the UK for over 70 years.

Whatever one thinks about monarchy, royalty, or aristocracy, the way the British state has evolved placed a serious burden on her shoulders for many decades, and her record of service, devotion, and decency was unrivalled. She was an extraordinary person and role model, and a sort of living institution whose passing has renewed a sense of loss for many of us – not just from traditions and values gone by, but indirectly, because she was an unspoken common connection to all our family and friends who have passed.

So we chose a song that we felt captured a sense of nuanced nationalism, and that we’ve always found moving and sombre but – at its heart – uplifting: “Edelweiss” from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “The Sound of Music.” In working it up, we discovered that it was the final song that Oscar Hammerstein wrote – talk about going out on a high.

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LYRICS:

Lived her life in the light
All are mourning her leaving
Always polite
Queen by right
She kept people believing

Lost for a moment the glue that holds
All of us together
Hard to bind hearts and minds
Let's pick up her endeavour

Waved and smiled
Weathered strife
Ever mindful of duty
Walked the line
Decent. Kind.
She looked happy to meet you

Often she showed us humility
Kindness and compassion
Service through silver spoons
Rest in peace now forever

Quiet grace. Gentle face.
Features stamped on our memory
Bridged the past
Made us laugh
We were lucky to have you

[National Anthem]


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Thanks as ever to the people who support our musical antics through Patreon (where you can see extras like out-takes and podcasts): https://www.patreon.com/marshfamilysongs

Do join us there, or just leave a tip at our tip jar at: https://paypal.me/marshfamilysongs.

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