Every Valley (shall be exalted - A Voice Cries Out)

Every valley shall be exalted, And every hill made low. And all God’s people shall see together, The glory of the Lord. 1 A voice cries out in the wilderness ‘Prepare the way of the Lord Make straight in the desert a highway A highway for our God’. 2 Comfort all my people The time for war is gone, The blind shall see, the deaf shall hear The lame shall leap for Joy. 3 Stand upon the mountain top; Lift up your voice to the world Sing Joyfully, Jerusalem, Behold, behold your God!

This Advent hymn was written by American liturgical composer Robert J. (Bob) Dufford, SJ (b 1943) closely based on Isaiah 40:4 et al.

It was first published in 1970 by New Dawn Music, and today it is published by OCP Publications.

The tune is sometimes called A VOICE CRIES OUT IN THE WILDERNESS. It has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are A AB A D D.

The tune is different for each verse, making it most suitable for use with a cantor.

Downloads

Choral arrangement by Dufford.

Examples

Solo singer with midi backing:

Professional recording:

Solo singer with piano accompaniment:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on page 4 of this document.

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

Chorus:
Every valley shall be exalted,
And every hill made low.
And all God’s people shall see together,
The glory of the Lord.

1 A voice cries out in the wilderness ...

2 Comfort all my people ...

3 Stand upon the mountain top ...

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