This song came about when Gen Bryant, Steph Jorna, Brigid McNally and myself were put together at a songwriter’s retreat last year to write a song for the Jubilee.
It can be purchased at Willow in the Pilgrims of Hope collection.
We were all responsible for the lyrics, throwing the themes of the Jubilee back and forth, looking for a lyric suitable for schools and young people at least. I must say it is amazing how quickly things come together with experienced songwriters like Gen, Brigid and Steph bouncing words around.
Gen had the guitar so she laid down a simple backing and we added a crescendo leading up to the chorus, with the words, “Let Your Kingdom come.”
I wrote the words and chords down for myself and made a backing as far as I could remember things.
Gen continued to work on the tune to take it beyond the simple initial melody and chords – diminished chords anyone, and it was fascinating to see how she worked on it, doubling the chorus, adding an interlude and using more sophisticated melody, chords and bass lines. She also changed the words leading up the the verse.
I made a backing in a similar style but incorporating all her changes.
1 We are pilgrims on a journey,
Come and walk with us.
(Come and walk with us.)
We are lifting up our voices,
Come and sing with us.
(Come and sing with us.)
We will share God’s gift with all.Chorus
Be hope!
Be faith!
Light the flame of charity.
Be hope!
Be faith!
Shine your light for all to see. (Rpt)Interlude
Be hope! Oh woah!
Be hope! Oh woah!2 Faith is bringing us together,
Sharing joy and peace.
Grace is bringing us together,
Love will never cease.
So, let’s share God’s gift with all.Chorus
Interlude
Be Hope!
© 2024, Lyrics: Gen Bryant, Steph Jorna, Geoffrey Madden and Brigid McNally. Music: Gen Bryant.
Gen Bryant has made it into a great song.
My grandson, Hope, was born last year and after 2 1/2 months in hospital and tube fed until recently, he is pretty well now. This will always be a song for him as far as I am concerned.