The Latin phrase Dum spiro spero translates to "While I breathe, I hope." The phrase is of indeterminate origin and is featured as the motto for several places and organizations, including the U.S. state of South Carolina. The text encourages us to follow a single breath to its origin and discover the hope within. The music is punctuated by a bell-like accompaniment, homophonic and balanced part-writing, and clean, satisfying chords.