Thank you Lord / Right Where we Are

This children's hymn of thankfulness was written by American musician and 1970s Fisherfolk lead-singer Diane Andrew (nee Davis) - ref.

It was first published in 1971 by Celebration Services International. Later publications include

20th Century Folk Hymnal volume 4 (1978, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England)
Scripture in Song Volume 2 - 1981, New Zealand
The Complete Come and Praise, 1990, BBC Active, United Kingdom - this book is still in print and is the best source of sheet music for the song.

Early publications, and some current videos, have the first verse as "Thank you Lord for giving us life", while most of the more recent videos show it as "Thank you Lord for this fine day" or " ... for this new day". Other verses of thanks eg "for friends and family", "for our school" can be added as desired.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Davis /Andrews. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes are B#A B GG D EE G D, with accompanying chords G / C / G.

Downloads

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Examples

Singer and backing track - professional recording

Singer self-accompanied on guitar

Singer and choir with backing track

Instrumental - piano

Instrumental - organ

Lyrics

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

1. Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Thank you, Lord, for this new day,
Right where we are.

Chorus
Alleluia, praise the Lord, x3
right where we are.

2. Thank you, Lord, for food to eat ...

3. Thank you, Lord, for clothes to wear ...

4. Thank you, Lord, for all your gifts

Alternative words start "Thank you Lord for giving us life", and may included verses for hope, love, faith, peace, etc.