Song of Farewell (May the choirs of angels come to greet you) - Sands

This is a hymn for funerals.  The refrain is based on the Latin funeral-hymn, 'In Paradisum', while the verses are based on Psalm 27.

It was written by English Roman Catholic priest, composer and founder-member of the St Thomas More Group, Ernest (Ernie) Sands (1949-2016).

The song was first published in 1990, by Oregon Catholic Press, and has become widely used at funerals in both the UK and US.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Sands. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are FEFG A E FA G D with accompanying chords D -- A/C# -- D7/C -- G/B.

Downloads

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Octavo
published by OCP

Downloadable sheet music, arranged for voice and piano

Examples

Duet with piano and flute

Choir and soloist with organ, professional recording

Singer, self-accompanied on guitar

Instrumental - electronic organ

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Chorus:
May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in his mercy.
May you find eternal life.

1 The Lord is my light and my help ...

2 There is one thing I ask of the Lord ...

3 O Lord, hear my voice when I cry ...

4 I am sure I shall see the Lord’s goodness;

See more ...

• Hymns for funerals
• Settings of the psalms

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Chorus
May the choirs of angels come to greet you.
May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you in His mercy.
May you find eternal life.

1 The Lord is my light and my help;
It is he who protects me from harm.
The Lord is the strength of my days;
Before whom should I tremble with fear?

2 There is one thing I ask of the Lord;
That He grant me my heartfelt desire.
To dwell in the courts of our God
Every day of my life in His presence.

3 O Lord, hear my voice when I cry;
Have mercy on me and give answer.
Do not cast me away in Your anger;
For You are the God of my help.