The Cloud's Veil

This hymn about God's comforting presence was written by Irish priest, song-writer and performer Liam Lawton, following his experience of grief following the death of an uncle (ref).

It became well-know after being widely used in American at following the World Trade Centre 9/11 bombings in 2001, and was included in Lawton's 2004 "Another World" album (ref).  It is now popular for both weddings and funerals.

The chorus has two sections.  Some earlier publication had the phrase "God is by my side" after each of the sections in the chorus.  But later versions all have "You are my side"after the first section, and "God is by my side" after the second.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Lawton. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are  FFFF E A E F  with accompanying chords D / A / F#m

Downloads

Guitar arrangement, by John McCann

Arranged for SATB choir, unaccompanied

Examples

Singer with guitar accompaniment:

Recording by Liam Lawton

Singer with piano, professional recording:

Singer self-accompanied on organ

Performed by Lawton at a memorial service, piano accompaniment:

Choir with piano accompaniment:

Lyrics

The lyrics are

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

Even when the rain hides the stars
Even though the mist swirls the hills,

Even when the dark clouds veil the sky,

You are by my side,

You are by my side.

Even when the sun shall fall in sleep,

Even when at dawn the sky shall weep,

Even in the night when storms shall rise,

God is by my side, 

God is by my side.

1  Bright the stars at night ...

2  Deep the feast of life ...

3  Blest are they who sing ...

See more ...

• Hymns God's presence
• Funeral hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Even when the rain hides the stars, Even though the mist swirls the hills, Even when the dark clouds veil the sky, You are by my side (2x) Even when the sun shall fall in sleep, Even when at dawn the sky shall weep, Even in the night when storms shall rise, God is by my side (2x) 1 Bright the stars at night That mirror heavensway to you. Bright the stars in light Where dwell the saints in love and truth. 2 Deep the feast of life Where saints shall gather in deep peace. Deep in heaven’s light Where sorrows pass beyond death’s sleep 3 Blest are they who sing The fellowship of saints in light. Blest is heaven’s King. All saints adore the Lord, Most High.