Take and Eat (I am the Word that spoke) - Quinn

This is a gentle hymn about the Eucharist. The words combine metaphors for Jesus which are used in various places in scripture with the "I am" declaration from the Gospel of John.

The verses were written by Scottish Roman Catholic priest (Jesuit) and hymn-writer, James Quinn SJ (1919–2010), and the chorus was added by the composer. It was released in 1989 by GIA Publications, Inc as part of a compilation called Come to Me: Songs for the Christian Journey.

With meter 10.10.10.10 with refrain, it is set to the tune CORPUS DOMINI, American Roman Catholic priest and liturgical composer, Jan Michael Joncas (b 1951). This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Bb, the first few notes of the melody are D F F_ D G G_ B AG F D GAB D F_ with accompanying chords Bb / F / Gm / Eb / Bb / Cm / Bb / Gm / Eb / F.

Downloads

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Digital leadsheet music arranged by Joe Harris for: melody+chords in Bb

SATB choir arrangement
by Gary Daigle

Examples

Cantor and choir with piano and orchestra

Cantor and choir with piano and orchestra - original recording:

Singer with midi-keyboard:

Singer with piano, words on-screen:

Choir with piano and band, live in a church service:

Singer with guitar:

Singer with harp:

Singer with organ:

Lyrics

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

Chorus:
Take and eat; take and eat:
this is my body given up for you.
Take and drink; take and drink:
this is my blood given up for you.

1 I am the Word that spoke and light was made;

2 I am the way that leads the exile home;

3 I am the Lamb that takes away your sin;

4 I am the cornerstone that God has laid;

5 I am the light that came into the world;

6 I am the first and last, the Living One;