Hosea (Come Back to Me)

This is a gentle song of repentance, suitable for Lent or reconciliation services.  It is based on Hosea 14:1 "Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, For you have stumbled because of your iniquity".

It was written by American Roman Catholic and at-the-time Benedictine monk Gregory Norbet (b 1940), and originally released in 1972.   Today it is copyright to the monks of Weston Priory via the The Benedictine Foundation of the State of Vermont. 

The song became better known when it was recorded by John Michael Talbot: Some sources, incorrectly, say that Talbot wrote it.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Norbet. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes are C G A A_ C G A A_ D F F_ B B C C_ with accompanying chords F / Bb / F



Downloads

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Examples

The composer on piano, with concert audience participation:


Small group with band and on-screen lyrics:


John Michael Talbot with guitar/band - professional recording:


Small group with piano-led backing, professional recording:


Contemporary church choir with piano-led band, recorded live in a church service:


Solo singer, self-accompanied on guitar:


Small choir with piano and bells - apparently recorded live in a church service:


Instrumental - piano, with on-screen lyrics:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
1. Come back to me with all your heart. Don’t let fear keep us apart ...

Chorus:
Long have I waited for your coming home to me
and living deeply our new life.

2. The wilderness will lead you to the place where I will speak ...

3 You shall sleep secure with peace, faithfulness will be your joy ...

See more ...


KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1 Come back to me with all your heart
Don’t let fear keep us apart.
Trees do bend though straight and tall,
So must we to others’ call.

Chorus:
Long have I waited for your coming
Home to me and living deeply our new life.

2 The wilderness, will lead you.
To your heart where I will speak.
Integrity and justice with tenderness
You shall know.

3 You shall sleep secure with peace
Faithfulness will be your joy.

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