What a Great Thing it Is

This song is based on Psalm 133.

It was written by American social justice advocate and at-the-time Roman Catholic seminarian, Ray Repp (1942-2020).

Originally released in 1966 on the Friends of English in the Liturgy (FEL) recording "Allelu", it was included in the Hymnal for Young Christians, Volume 2, also released in 1966. 

Later, it was included in The Best of Ray Repp Vol.1, released in 2011. This re-release means that audio files are available through Amazon, Apple Music etc - links below. But second-hand copies of the hymnal listed above are the only known sources of sheet music for it.

The song was also included on a compilation album, The Way In, recorded in 1969 by The Keyhole (predecessors of The Fisherfolk - ref) released under the GIA Records Label (ref).

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Repp. This has a Cut-common time signature. In the key of A, the first few notes of the chorus are  A_ A AA, C E D_




Downloads

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Examples

Original recording - lead singer, chorus and band:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
Chorus:
What a great thing it is and oh, how pleasant it can be
For all God's people to live together in peace.
So now tell ev'ryone you meet of the joy that we were meant to see
When all God's people live together in peace.

1 The Lord gave everyone a law,
That we should love
And follow every call from him.

2 The Father promised us a home
Where we could live
Together as a family.

3 Brothers, sisters are well all
Because we're made as equal
In the sight of God.

4 All you children of the Lord
Sing and praise our God
For all eternity.

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ORIGINAL LYRICS - KEEP IN CASE OTHER SOURCES GO OFFLINE BUT DO NOT DISPLAY:

Chorus:
What a great thing it is and oh, how pleasant it can be
For all God's people to live together in peace.
So now tell ev'ryone you meet of the joy that we were meant to see
When all God's people live together in peace.

1 The Lord gave everyone a law,
That we should love
And follow every call from him.

2 The Father promised us a home
Where we could live
Together as a family.

3 Brothers, sisters are well all
Because we're made as equal
In the sight of God.

4 All you children of the Lord
Sing and praise our God
For all eternity.

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