Melchizedek Alleluia (Sing his message loud and clear)

This is a short praise song. It was intended as a Gospel acclamation in a Catholic folk-style Mass, so although there are a number of verses, only one of them would be sung, sandwiched between the chorus. However it can be sung as a standalone hymn, and some people now do this.

It was written by American Roman Catholic Roger Smith, who at the time was a Deacon of the Diocese of Corpus Christi, Texas, and had served as leader of a Houston, Texas area singing group called "The Living Spirit." (ref)

The song was included in a 1974 album, "A Song in my Heart", by Roger Smith with the Living Spirit (ref) North American Liturgy Resources label. Copyright was registered in 1975 by North American Liturgy Resources / New Dawn Music. Later it was include in Glory and Praise Volume 2 (ref) and in Songs of the Spirit Volume 3, published in 1987 by Kevin Mayhew Ltd in England.

The idea and the first line appears to have been borrowed (perhaps unintentionally / unknowingly) from a hymn by S. Trevor Francis (1834-1925) - ref.

No current sources of sheet music have been located. The melody and harmony lines can be seen here (right or long-click and download). Books it was published in may be found in second-hand shops or via Amazon / eBay etc.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Smith. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are GG G G, GG G G AA AG F G_ with accompanying chords G / C / D7 / G

Downloads

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No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Examples

Duet with guitar - scratchy recording

Instrumental - synthesiser:

Lyrics

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

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

1 Sing his message loud and clear, alleluia!
Jesus Christ our Lord is near, alleluia

2 Jesus is the Lord of life, alleluia!
Rising over death and strife, alleluia

3 Speak to us, eternal Word, alleluia
word made flesh we long for you, Alleluia

4 Hail, O Mary, full of grace, alleluia
Blest are you of women all, alleluia.

5 All the nations, bless your name, alleluia
All the people sing your fame, alleluia.