The origin is unknown: some sources say that it was written by American Roman Catholic poet Eleanor C. Donnelly (1838-1917), and set to music by American Sister of Mercy, Julia (Sister Mary Alexis) Donnelly RSM (1857-1936).
Hymn-books which it has been published in include:
- Hymns used by the Pupils of the Sisters of Notre Dame, 1955
- The Ordinary of the Mass and Complete Manual of Hymns for Parochial Schools, 1935
Downloads
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Examples
Choir, with keyboard accompaniment:
Choir with keyboard and organ:
Choir with light orchestra and guitar, professional recording:
Small group with piano:
Instrumental - electronic keyboard:
Lyrics
O Virgin Mother, Lady of Good CounselSweetest picture artist ever drew;
In all doubts I fly to thee for guidance
Mother tell me what am I to do.
By thy face to Jesus' face inclining
Sheltered safely in thy mantle blue;
By his little arms around thee twining
Mother tell me what am I to do.
By the light within thy dear eyes dwelling
By the tears that dim their lustre too;
By the story that these tears are telling
Mother tell me what am I to do.
Life, alas! is often dark and dreary,
Cheating shadows hide the truth from view;
When my soul is most perplexed and weary,
Mother, tell me, what am I to do?
See my hopes in fragile vessel tossing,
Be the pilot of that trembling crew;
Guide me safely o'er the dangerous crossing,
Mother, tell me, what am I to do?
Should I ever, wilfully forgetting,
Fail to pay my God His homage due;
Should I sin, and live without regretting,
Mother, tell me, what am I to do?
Very beautiful hymn I only knew 2 verses Thank you Cait
ReplyDeleteGlad there is a record of this song. My mother remembers it fondly. I wish the quality was better! Maybe, when no one is in the sanctuary, re record it,?
ReplyDelete