The song lyrics and music were written by
American social justice advocate and at-the-time Roman Catholic seminarian, Ray
Repp (1942-2020). It was included in the Mass for Young Americans which was first recorded in 1965
by Friends of English in the Liturgy (FEL), and copyright was registered in 1966
by Otter Creek Music.
Books where it was published include:
The original words have a lot of gender-exclusive language. An updated
version is used in some places. It is not clear if this was created by
Repp, or with his permission, or by someone else entirely.
Books where it was published include:
- Hymnal for Young Christians, volume 2 (USA)
- Mass for Young Americans: with psalms and refrains / by Ray Repp; Organ/piano accompaniment with Guitar chords by Harry Lojewski - 1971, published by F.E.L. Publications Chicago, Illinois. (ref).
- The Nigerian Catholic Hymn Book
No current sources of MP3 tracks or sheet music have been found, other than 2nd hand copies of the books listed above. The song was not included on either The Best of Ray Repp Vol.1 or Volume 2. However the number of YouTube videos and the volume of requests on this website show that it is known and used in many countries.
The unnamed tune by Repp has a Cut time-signature. In the the key of C, the first few notes are C G E z F EDCBF C G E.
Downloads
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Examples
American high-school choir, circa 1970 - guitar accompaniment
Church choir with praise band
Singer with guitar, contemporary setting
Solo singer, unaccompanied
Solo singer with guitar
Instrumental - keyboard - with chords in the video track
Lyrics
Original lyrics
ChorusHere we are, altogether as we sing our song joyfully.
Here we are, altogether as we pray we always be.
Join we now as friends, and celebrate the
Brotherhood we share, all as one.
Keep the fire burning, kindle it with care,
And we'll all join in and sing.
Freedom do we shout, for everybody,
And unless there is, we should pray,
That soon there will be one true brotherhood.
Let us all join in and sing.
Glorify the Lord, with all our voices,
Show him we're sincere by all our deeds.
Shout the joys of freedom everywhere,
And we'll all join in and sing.
Happy is the man who does his best to
Free the troubled world, from all it's pain.
Join we now with that man and free the world,
As we all join in and sing.
Let us make the world an alleluia.
Let us make the world a better place.
Keep a smile handy, have a helping hand,
Let us all join in and sing.
Updated lyrics
ChorusHere we are, all together as we sing our song joyfully.
Here we are, all together as we pray we always be.
Join we now as friends, and celebrate the
Fellowship we share, all as one.
Keep the fire burning, kindle it with care,
And we'll all join in and sing.
Freedom do we shout, for everybody,
And unless there is, we should pray,
That soon there will be one true fellowship.
Let us all join in and sing.
Glorify the Lord, with all our voices,
Show we're sincere by all our deeds.
Shout the joys of freedom everywhere,
And we'll all join in and sing.
Happy is the one who does their best to
Free the troubled world, from all it's pain.
Join we now with our friends and free the world,
As we all join in and sing.
Let us make the world an alleluia.
Let us make the world a better place.
Keep a smile handy, have a helping hand,
Let us all join in and sing.
Glorious and melodious song. All Glory, praise and adoration to God
ReplyDeletemy morning songs everyday
ReplyDelete'Gender exclusive'....give me a break! That's called English.
ReplyDeleteThis song takes me back to the late 60s/early 70s, nuns newly in mufti, Jesus Christ Superstar and Godspell. At Mass we sang Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Phil Ochs...I never heard Gregorian chant till CD players appeared in the late 80s/90s, and never heard it in a church till I was in my late 40s.
Not to say I don't have the wee soft spot for "Here We Are", "Allelu", and "Sons of God" (oh no! gender exclusive!!)...but on balance, was it really worth all the destruction?
Thanks for commenting Tony. I understand that you aren't concerned with gender-exclusive language. But equally some people are concerned about it, and don't believe statements like "in English, man means man or woman". These issues have affected how hymns are used, especially in Western countries, so they are going to be noted here.
DeleteI have a feeling you won't appreciate what some people have done with Sons of God either - I'll try to get it written up soon.
I'm glad that you've found Gregorian chant, if that is what is feeding you spiritually now.
Thank you, editor, for explaining to this man why gender inclusive language is important to some of us, especially we women. And brotherhood clearly does not include sisters! I'm wondering if he'd feel the same way if he had been born a woman.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lyrics
ReplyDeleteMind lifter song.. Father I thank you
ReplyDeletePls how do I download the song from Google
ReplyDelete