It was written for the youth club in the East London parish of Poplar, during Appleford's appointment there from 1952-58, aiming to "... show Jesus was not a dead hero but a living lord" (ref).
Some people have suggested that the tune was modelled on Cliff Richard's 1950s song "Living Doll" - and there are some minor similarities, although it is clearly a different tune. Today the hymn has crossed the boundary between contemporary (for its day) song and regular hymn.
The tune, also written by Appleford, is named LIVING LORD, and has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are D DE D A AAG G. It is included in the most recent edition of various English hymn books, including Hymns Old and New, Catholic, 2009 and one of these is the best source of sheet music. Guitar chords are available here.
Downloads
Examples
Televised hymn-programme - with organ:
Small group with keyboard:
Boy treble with organ:
Instrumental - organ:
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.The song has four verses, and a rough outline is:
1 Lord Jesus Christ you have come to us ...
2 Lord Jesus Christ now and every day ...
3 Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us ...
4 Lord Jesus Christ I would come to you ...
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