Where is Love?

SATB and piano

When I was a kid I got the chance to play the role of the Artful Dodger in a community theatre production of the musical, Oliver!  Since that time, I have loved this song and, to be honest, I was always a little jealous of the kid who got to play Oliver during the scene this song is featured in.  While the Dodger gets his proverbial moment in the sun later on, this song is probably the most beautiful one in the entire show.  It happens just as the boy, Oliver, who has recently been bought by an undertaker, is locked in the basement to wait out the night.  This poignant song is his way of singing himself to sleep, and I had always wanted to try my hand at arranging it.

Where is Love? was commissioned by the Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester, MN (Dr. Michael Culloton, conductor), and it received its premiere on February 12, 2005.  It is dedicated with love to Peter and Jenn Hoesing.

The Text

Words & Music by Lionel Bart (1930-1999)

Where is love?
Does it fall from skies above?
Is it underneath the willow tree
That I've been dreaming of?
Where is she
Who I close my eyes to see?
Will I ever know the sweet hello
That's meant for only me?

Who can say where she may hide?
Must I travel far and wide?
’Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to
Where, where is love?

Who can say where she may hide?
Must I travel far and wide?
'Til I am beside the someone who
I can mean something to
Where, where is love?

Performed by the Choral Arts Ensemble of Rochester
(Dr. Michael Culloton, conductor).