Songs
Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven?
by Aaron Copland From Twelve Poems of Emily Dickinson (1950)
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Text
Why Do They Shut Me Out of Heaven?
English source:
Emily Dickinson
Why do they shut Me out of Heaven?
Did I sing too loud?
But I can say a little “Minor”
Timid as a Bird!
Wouldn’t the Angels try me
Just once more
Just see if I troubled them
But don’t shut the door!
Oh, if I were the Gentleman
In the “White Robes”
And they were the little Hand that knocked
Would I forbid?
Why do they shut Me out of Heaven?
Did I sing too loud?
Did I sing too loud?
But I can say a little “Minor”
Timid as a Bird!
Wouldn’t the Angels try me
Just once more
Just see if I troubled them
But don’t shut the door!
Oh, if I were the Gentleman
In the “White Robes”
And they were the little Hand that knocked
Would I forbid?
Why do they shut Me out of Heaven?
Did I sing too loud?
Composer
Aaron Copland
Aaron Copland was an American composer, composition teacher, writer, and conductor. Read more here.
Poet
Emily Dickinson
Emily Elizabeth Dickinson (December 10, 1830 – May 15, 1886) was an American poet. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, into a prominent family with strong ties to its community. After studying at the Amherst Academy for seven years in her…
Performances
Previously performed at:
- Did I Sing Too Loud? 24 Oct 2025
- In Heaven 17 Oct 2025
- Mastercourse Concert 26 Oct 2024
- 52. Jessica Cale, Hamish Brown: Ferrier Award Winners 24 Oct 2022