It was written by American
Roman Catholic guitarist, folk-musician and and at-the-time priest Peter Raymond
Scholtes (1938-2009), to provide material for ecumenical,
inter-racial events including a choir of disadvantaged youth (ref). The song was initially included in volume 1 of the Hymnal for
Young Christians, arranged by the editor, Denis Fitzgerald, published in 1966
(ref Keep the Fire burning). It is included in McCrimmon Publication's
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, and sheet music is available for immediate download (SheetMusicPlus link
below).
The tune, also written by Scholtes is called ST BRENDAN'S in some publications, after the Chicago south-side parish where Scholtes was associate pastor. It has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of Fm, the first few notes are CE F FEFA. It has the style of a Hebrew folk-tune but has not been identified as any particular tune.
Although the song has become less popular in liturgical churches, it crossed denominational boundaries and more recently has been recorded by various contemporary-Christian-music artists, eg Jars of Clay, King and Country, and even in Christian-rasta style. YouTube shows that it is also used in youth-ministry in various countries.
The original recording left out the fourth verse - presumably because of limited space on the record - and it has been left out of many subsequent publications and recordings also. The original third verse refers to "each man's dignity" and "each man's pride" - in some circumstances this is changed to "each one's dignity" etc.
The tune, also written by Scholtes is called ST BRENDAN'S in some publications, after the Chicago south-side parish where Scholtes was associate pastor. It has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of Fm, the first few notes are CE F FEFA. It has the style of a Hebrew folk-tune but has not been identified as any particular tune.
Although the song has become less popular in liturgical churches, it crossed denominational boundaries and more recently has been recorded by various contemporary-Christian-music artists, eg Jars of Clay, King and Country, and even in Christian-rasta style. YouTube shows that it is also used in youth-ministry in various countries.
The original recording left out the fourth verse - presumably because of limited space on the record - and it has been left out of many subsequent publications and recordings also. The original third verse refers to "each man's dignity" and "each man's pride" - in some circumstances this is changed to "each one's dignity" etc.
Downloads
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Examples
Original recording:
Professional arrangement:
Congregation, guitar led:
Contemporary arrangement - singer with praise band, professional recording:
Solo singer, guitar and band:
Choir in a church service, unaccompanied:
Another 1960s folk-band recording:
Instrumental - pipe organ:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:1 We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord ...
Chorus:
And they'll know we are Christians,
By our love, by our love.
Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love.
2 We will walk with each other, will walk hand in hand ...
3 We will work with each other, we will work side by side ...
4 All praise to the Father, from whom all things come ...
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