The Cry of the Poor - Foley

This is a hymn about God's compassion for people who are poor. It is based on Psalm 34

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest , liturgist, composer and member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) John Foley SJ (b 1939), and first released in his solo album, Wood Hath Hope.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Foley. This has a NN time signature. In the key of F#m, the first few notes are F_ A_ G_ E G_ FE F_  with accompanying chords F#m  / E  /  C#m   / F#m.

Downloads

SATB arrangement by Foley

Examples

Choir and cantor, with guitar

Professional recording, with slides

Singer with keyboard backing track

Music group with guitar and piano - recorded live in a church service

Instrumental - piano

Lyrics

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

Chorus:
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Blessed be the Lord.

1. I will bless the Lord at all times ...

2. Let the lowly hear and be glad ...

3. Every spirit crushed God will save ...

4. We proclaim your greatness, O God ...

See more ...

• Psalm settings
• Compassion

Image adapt. by Pixabay

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY Chorus:
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Blessed be the Lord.

1. I will bless the Lord at all times,
with praise ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord,
who will hear the cry of the poor.

2. Let the lowly hear and be glad:
the Lord listens to their pleas;
and to hearts broken God is near,
who will hear the cry of the poor.

3. Every spirit crushed God will save;
will be ransom for their lives;
will be safe shelter for their fears,
and will hear the cry of the poor.

4. We proclaim your greatness, O God,
your praise ever in our mouth;
every face brightened in your light,
for you hear the cry of the poor.