My People (The Reproaches) - Andersen

This hymn is a simple setting of the traditional Good Friday text, The Reproaches (aka the Improperia), by Australia priest and liturgist, Frank Andersen MSC.

The tune by Andersn is un-named, has 4/4 time signature and starts with the note of G repeated a number of times.   It is included in his still- available publication Scripture in Song - the Music of Frank Andersen.

Downloads

Examples

Small group with piano accompaniment:

Solo singer with guitar and backing track (ends abruptly):

Original recording (remastered) - cantor and chor with orchestra:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available, along with a midi backing track, on this website.

The song starts with a two-line chorus, and this is repeated after each of the five verses. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
My people,my people, what have I done to you?
For in what way have I offended you?
Answer me.
Answer me.

1 I led you safely out of Egypt.

2 I opened up the sea before you.

3 I raised you to the heights of glory.

See more ...

• Settings of the Reproaches 
• Hymns for Good Friday

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
My people… my people! What have I done to you?
or in what way have I offended you?
Answer me: answer me!

1 I led you safely out of Egypt.
I led you safely through the sea.
I led you safely into freedom,
but you have nailed Me to a tree.

2 I opened up the sea before you.
I opened up this Promised land.
I opened up my arms to hold you,
but you have nailed them to a tree.

3 I raised you to the heights of glory.
I raised your head and held you high.
I raised a vine that would be fruitful,
but you have raised Me up to die.