This is John Burland‘s setting of the Beatitudes from his recent collection, Into the World.
You can buy the sheet music at his website.
This is a lovely, gentle, swaying 6/8 hymn that builds to a joyous bridge. I think it goes too high and would at least take it down from A to G myself. I’m not sure how to fix the second line of verse three, but “Blessed are those who are treated unjust,” isn’t right – “unjustly” has to be made to fit somehow. The verses are the scripture references but the chorus and bridge are original words.
My backing is in the original key, however. I could have changed it to 3/4 but 6/8 is more fun and is always Irish in BIAB.
1 Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are all those that mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the humble, for they will inherit the earth.
Chorus
Blessed are you, blessed are you.
When you stand in love and speak as one, blessed are you.
2 Blessed are all those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.
Blessed are those who are merciful, for they will be shown God’s mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’s face.
Chorus
Bridge
Come rejoice and be glad for the Kingdom of heaven is yours.
Come rejoice and be glad for the Kingdom of heaven is yours.
3 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be children of God.
Blessed are those who are treated unjust, as they live and love in God’s way.
Chorus
Chorus
© 2022 John Burland