The song was written by American social justice advocate and at-the-time Roman
Catholic seminarian, Ray Repp and first released in 1967 by Friends of
English in the liturgy, on the B-side of the album Come Alive (ref). Today copyright is owned by Repp's publishing company, Otter Creek
music.
The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Repp. No sources of sheet music have been located.
Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).Examples
Singers, self-accompanied on guitar - alternative lyrics
Re-release of the original recording: small group with guitar
Choir with guitar, 1970s recording
Cameroonian choir style - words on-screen
Singer with keyboard, watch on YouTube
Singer with keyboard
Choir with keyboard
Children's choir with backing track
Choir with percussion
Instrumental - keyboard with trumpet - watch on YouTube
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:Chorus:
Stand together for what you believe.
Work for what must be done.
Love each other in all that you do,
Till all my people are one.
1 Spread the Word my brothers,
Spread it far and wide;
Take no heed that it is hard,
For Christ will be your guide.
2 Teach all men to listen,
And follow his command;
Love all men as I love you,
And peace will fill our land.
Alternative lyrics
The author of these alternative lyrics is unknown.Chorus:
Stand together for what you believe,
Work for what must be done.
Love each other in all that you do
Till all my people are one.
Spread the peace my people,
Spread it everywhere,
Make the world know right from wrong,
Help the world to care
Cry out the sound of freedom,
Make every sound be heard,
People crying painfully,
Hear their every word.
Open your hearts my people,
Lend a willing hand,
Show the lonely and the poor,
That God is in our land.
Know that he is with is
in everything we do:
Though hard times may lie ahead
Peace will follow through.
Sing out the joy of living,
Sing your song on high,
The truth of man is that he,
Was born to live not die
Sing out the joy of living,
Sing your song on high,
The truth of man is that he,
Was born to live not die
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| Image adapted from Piqsels - CC0 |
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