It was written by English historian, folk-singer and poet / song-writer Sydney Bertram Carter (1915-2004), best known as the author of Lord of the Dance, and first recorded on a single by Carter and the Notting Hill Folk Group.
Although the song was not intended as a hymn, it has been used as one by a number of churches. Many schools sing it as an assembly song because it incorporates their ethos without explicitly being Christian.
With meter 7 6 7 3, it is set to a tune that Carter wrote for the text: This is sometimes called NEIGHBOUR: So far, it does not appear to have been set to any other tunes. NEIGHBOUR has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of Em, the first few notes are B,B, E EF GF EG B Bd B with accompanying chords Em / G / B7.
As well as these (and other) hymn books, sheet music can also be purchased from the Stainer & Bell website.
With meter 7 6 7 3, it is set to a tune that Carter wrote for the text: This is sometimes called NEIGHBOUR: So far, it does not appear to have been set to any other tunes. NEIGHBOUR has a 4/4 time signature, and in the key of Em, the first few notes are B,B, E EF GF EG B Bd B with accompanying chords Em / G / B7.
As well as these (and other) hymn books, sheet music can also be purchased from the Stainer & Bell website.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).Examples
Duet with guitar, home recording
Singer with guitar accompaniment
Large choir with orchestra accompaniment - recorded for a TV programme
Lead singer and band, rock-style accompaniment, professional recording
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on the publisher's website. A rough outline is:1. When I needed a neighbour were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour were you there?
And the creed and the colour and the name won’t matter
Were you there?
2. I was hungry and thirsty …
3. I was cold, I was naked …
4. When I needed a shelter …
5. When I needed a healer …
6. When they put me in prison…
7. Wherever you travel, I’ll be there, I’ll be there.
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