It was written by American Roman Catholic priests (or perhaps at time seminarians), Darryl Ducote (b. 1945) Gary Ault (b 1944) and Mike Balhoff (b. 1946) as part of Louisana-based folk-Mass group, The Dameans The song was first published in 1978, and revised in 1993.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Ducote, Ault and Balhoff. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of A, the first few notes of the melody are A_ B c_ A_ d c B_
The verses are complex, both the tune and the idea expressed. But the refrain is simple, and effective as a mantra / repeated prayer.
Downloads
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Examples
Singer with guitar - words and chords on-screen
Professioinal recording - the Dameans
Professioinal recording - the Dameans - words on-screen
Singer with guitar
Cantor and choir with band
Singer with guitar
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:Chorus:
Come, O Lord, and set us free.
Bring your people peace
Come, O Lord, and set us free,
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
1. On that great day a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse’s tree.
From an ancient root new blossom rise for his people to see.
Spirit of God shall rest on Him make him wise to know his word.
A spirit of counsel and of strength and the fear of the Lord.
2. Then shall the wolf and lamb be friends the kid and leopard play;
peacefully calf and lion browse with each other that day.
From near and far they’ll seek him out his dwelling shall be filled;
in all the earth no harm or pain when they know his will.
3. Justice shall be around his waist a band upon his hips;
When he shall strike the wicked hearts with a word from his lips.
Then shall he lift the poor to him the evil he shall slay;
to the afflicted shall he bring his justice that day.
4. Then shall the root of Jesse be a sign for all to come;
When all the nations are at peace and their envies are gone.
As when in ancient days the Lord He made the sea bed firm;
Then He shall make a highway for His people’s return.
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