This song is based on the life of St Francis of Assisi and his experiences of God in nature. It was written by Scottish singer, songwriter and guitarist, Donovan, full name Donovan Phillips Leitch (b 1946). It was the closing track of a 1972 by Franco Zeffirelli film of the same name, which Donovan wrote all the songs for.
The song has also recorded by artists including Australian Roman Catholic sister Janet Mead RSM.
It has been claimed (ref) that the melody is based on the Gloria from " Laudario do Cortona", a 13th century manuscript with Italian-language "praise and worship" songs from the time.
It has been claimed (ref) that the melody is based on the Gloria from " Laudario do Cortona", a 13th century manuscript with Italian-language "praise and worship" songs from the time.
Donovan's setting is an unnamed tune. It has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Eb, the first few notes are E_ G A B_ B cB Ac B_ with accompanying chords Eb / Fm7 / Gm7 / Eb / Ab / Bb/ Eb.
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| Image adapted from Pixabay |
Downloads
Examples
Original recording:
Singer with orchestration, and on-screen lyrics:
Recording by Sr Janet Mead
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:Brother Sun
And Sister Moon
I seldom see you
Seldom hear your tune
Preoccupied
With selfish misery
Brother Wind
And Sister Air
Open my eyes
To visions pure and fair
That I may see
The glory around me
I am God's creature
Of him I am part
I feel his love
Awakening my heart
Brother Sun
And Sister Moon
I now do see you
I can hear your tune
So much in love
With all that I survey
I am God's creature
Of him I am part
I feel his love
Awakening my heart
Brother Sun
And Sister Moon
I now do see you
I can hear your tune
So much in love
With all that I survey.
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