Looking at the Sunrise

This is a hymn about faith in Jesus.

It was written by Caribbean composer Ronald Gokool (possibly d. circa 2008). CCLI lists the copyright owner as McCrimmon Publishing Company, but the song doesn't seem to be in any of their currently in-print books.

The original publication date is unknown, but a reader reports having sung it in a Catholic church in Trinidad and Tobago during the 1980s, and it was included in Sing a New Song: No. 3 published by Cedar Press, Bridgetown, Barbados, in1981.

"Just Beth", another visitor to this website, was able to provide the words as shown below, and another visitor, Patrick, provided the sheet music.

If you have any more information about Ronald Gokool or the hymn, please leave a message in the Comments box at the bottom of the page.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Piano sheet music with chords

PowerPoint slides

Examples

School choir with guitar

Lyrics

1. Looking at the sunrise,
Heralding the dawn
List’ning to the birds sing
Hearing every sound,
I’m at peace with nature,
Because, I suppose,
all my cares and troubles
Are resting with the Lord.

2. Children playing round me
Laughter’s in my heart.
People toiling sadly
Comfort I impart.
Joy is with me daily
And it’s all I know
Because Jesus loves me
For He told me so.

3. Listen to me, brothers,
Heed to what I say;
Place your trust in Jesus
Let Him guide your way.
He will not forsake or
From you turn away;
Peace is yours my brothers,
Jesus is the way.

See more ...

6 comments:

Suneb14 March 2020 at 20:58
Oh my goodness. I used to sing this song in primary school. St. Joseph's Girls' RC. I know the tune very well. Our priest recently burst into this song during his sermon last month. Brought back so many memories. Thanks for the lyrics. I would get the music teacher to determine the chords
Unknown25 September 2020 at 15:43
Yes Yes Yes Belmont Girls RC School and St Francis Church. The best...I remember every word. It was beautiful. I got thrown out the choir for miming.
Unknown2 June 2021 at 02:59
This is the song it is lovely I sang it this morning. It gives me so much Joy. I wanted to send it to my WhatsApp friends. It is sad that there is no YouTube versions of this song. Thank you Ronald
De_observer1 May 2025 at 12:41
Good day,
I possess a copy of the music score for the hymn 'Looking at the Sunrise' (https://www.godsongs.net/2019/09/looking-at-sunrise-heralding-the-dawn-gokool.html). Having digitally scanned it, I can provide you with both a PDF and JPEG file. How can I deliver it to you, sir?
De_observer1 May 2025 at 12:50
Good day,
I possess a copy of the music score for the hymn 'Looking at the Sunrise' (https://www.godsongs.net/2019/09/looking-at-sunrise-heralding-the-dawn-gokool.html?lr=1746116142019). Having digitally scanned it, I can provide you with both a PDF and JPEG file. How do I deliver it to you, sir?
Patrick_E