Canticle of the Turning

This energetic hymn about Mary's response to God's actions in the world, inspired by the Magnificat, Mary's pray in Luke 1:46-58.

It was written by American Roman Catholic composer and liturgical musician Rory Cooney (b.1952) - and you can read his reflections on it here on his blog.

It was first published by in 1990 by GIA Publications, Inc in the USA
 
With meter 8.6.8.6 D, it is set to an adaptation of KINGSFOLD, a traditional Irish or English tune that is used for the song Star of the County Down - leading to this song being published with the tune named as STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN.

 

"Blue Streak" by sportsstan is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Downloads

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Leadsheet with setting for 3-part choir

Downloadable piano setting with voice part

Examples

Professional recording singer / chorus with Celtic band:

Trio with guitar, fiddle and bodhran - recorded for Scottish TV

Soloist with band at a state funeral:

Virtual choir - 21st century:

Choir with organ voiced for cello; flute; oboe, with piano:

Singer with organ:

Lead singer and contemporary band:

College alumni choir, with guitar-led band:

Lyrics

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

1 My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,
.... Could the world be about to turn?

Chorus:
My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn!

2 Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me,
.... for the world is about to turn.

3 From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.
.... for the world is about to turn.

4 Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:
... God, who is turning the world around.

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See more ...

• Settings of the Magnificat
• Folk-style hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
1 My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant's plight, and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest. Could the world be about to turn?

Chorus:
My heart shall sing of the day you bring. Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near, and the world is about to turn!

2 Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me,
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame, and to those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight, for the world is about to turn.

3 From the halls of power to the fortress tower, not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears ev'ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more, for the food they can never earn;
There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed, for the world is about to turn.

4 Though the nations rage from age to age, we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God, who is turning the world around.