Song for Human Rights (Sing a song for peace and justice)

This is a hymn about social justice, and the call for people who live in freedom to listen for other voices.

It was written by New Zealand Methodist raised, ecumenically minded, Presbyterian minister's wife, hymn-writer, Shirley Erena Murray (1931-2020).

It was first published by Hope Publishing in 1992.

With meter 87 87 47, tunes it is set to include:

CWM RHONDDA b John Hughes,(1873 - 1932)
An unnamed tune by Hal Hopson.

Downloads

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Piano / organ sheet music - free for personal use from Hope Publishing

Examples

Virtual choir, unaccompanied

Amateur choir with organ, live in a church service

Choir with organ, unnamed tune by Hal Hopson

Instrumental - synth. piano with sax? voice melody - sheet music on-screen

Instrumental - organ

Lyrics

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

1. Sing a song for peace and justice,
Speak for those who cannot speak!
Claim the world for peace and justice:
Let the strong support the weak.

Refrain
Light a candle in the darkness;
Hope and freedom must not die!
Hope and freedom must not die!

2. You who live in happy places,
Who can laugh and speak and sing,
Listen for the other voices
Mute with fear and suffering.

3. Thousands cry in nameless prisons,
Plead with powers who hold the key:
Plead that human rights be honoured,
That the innocent go free.

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Image adapted from Piqsels - royalty free