Peruvian Gloria (Glory to God)

This folk-style hymn of praise is based on a traditional Peruvian song, Gloria a Dios.

It has been has been published and shared many times; various people and companies have claimed that they own the copyright, but this applies to the specific musical layout/arrangement - most sources have concluded that the basic tune is based on an old Peruvian folk tune and thus in the public domain, and that is is not known who originally set the the words to the tune.

Some people recommend that it should be sung acapella (ie unaccompanied) or only with by bongos or other rhythm instruments. However various instrumental accompaniments have been prepared, though these are copyright and cannot be shared here.

The PowerPoint slides are in two versions: one for use with a cantor, the other for alternating sides (decide in advance whose left and right should be used - the congregation's view is probably best).

In some places, "to her by glory forever" is used in the third verse, in line with ancient traditions referring to the Divine Feminine. However some churches/traditions find this offensive.

The text is a Trinitarian hymn of praise. Although it starts with the phrase "Glory to God", it is quite different to the English-language text of the "Gloria". Despite this, some churches use it in place of the "Gloria" because of the simple memorable tune and the leader/response style.

It has been translated into various languages, including:

Irish - Glóir do Dhia
Spanish - ¡Gloria a Dios!

Downloads

Lead sheet in Em
(melody + guitar chords)

Multi-cultural anthem using the Peruvian "Gloria" and original material by Hal Hopson, arranged for SATB choir

PowerPoint slides
cantor and response

PowerPoint slides
left and right

Examples

Cantor and choir, with guitar

Leader and small group, rhythm accompaniment

Primary school choir with keyboard and percussion

Cantor and small group with band -professional recording

Cantor and choir, unaccompanied

Cantor and congregation, recorded live in a church service

Instrumental version - keyboard

Lyrics

Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Father.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.

Glory to God, glory to God, son of the Father.
Glory to God, glory to God, son of the Father.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.

Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
Glory to God, glory to God, glory to the Spirit.
To him be glory forever.
To him be glory forever.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia, amen.
Alleluia amen, alleluia ame—n.