Arirang

The Parish Church of St Peter, Bournemouth

Members of the Surrey West Branch of the British Korean Veterans Association were cordially welcomed by the congregation on 20th November 2005 and during the service the Korean Folk song Arirang was sung by Rita Le Var, wife of one of the members. She was accompanied by the choir, directed by Ben Lamb and the organ, which was superbly played with full meaning by Cathy Lamb.
The production was avidly listened to by the congregation especially the veterans, who remembered the sad times that they experienced during the war of 1950 to 1953 when they were part of the United Nations force who repelled the invaders from the north.
This is probably the first time in the world outside of Korea, that such an event has been witnessed.
Much research went into production of the sheet music, as it is difficult to find a definitive version in existence.
By sure chance a Korean student at the Royal College of Music wrote (scribbled) the music and words from memory, which was transposed and arranged on a computer by Terry Head. The words and hyphenation were verified by a Korean language expert and a final correct version was produced.
We are indebted to Canon J Richardson, his officers and congregation for warmly welcoming us into the service and the fine coffee served by the ladies afterwards.
Although all of the veterans are over 71 years (you had to be at least 19 years old to serve in the war zone) they as one, express their appreciation for their experience on Sunday 20th November 2005.

Translation
Refrain:Arirang, Arirang, Arariyo
He goes over the Arirang hill

Verse 1:He who leaves me, with me behind.
Will have trouble with his feet in no far distance.

Verse 2:Just as there are many stars in the sky,
There are also many sorrows in my heart.

Prepared and printed by Cyril Luger, Social Secretary of the Surrey West Branch, British Korean Veterans Association