City of God (AOV 1/57)

This is another very popular choice of liturgists over the years at our church. It is by Dan Schutte and in 6/4 time so is hard to do on BIAB. It gets around a certain singsongyness by having a third verse, which is a bridge that blends into half a verse and a fourth verse that is also half a verse long.  That said, we rarely get past the first two verses anyway.

I don’t think it is his best tune (and I love Dan Schutte music usually) but perhaps repetition has dulled my senses. If it is done like a dirge it is sadly funny when our tears are “turned into dancing” and it sounds as if dancing is the last thing anyone wants to do.

It can be purchased for download at OCP.

Listen to it here in the original or here for a full on treatment in a mass. I hope my backing has the easy swaying rhythm suggested.  I’ve put the melody and the descant at opposite sides of the stereo mix to assist with learning the parts.

Verse 1

Awake from your slumber! Arise from your sleep!
A new day is dawning for all those who weep.
The people in darkness have seen a great light.
The Lord of our longing has conquered the night.

Refrain
Let us build the city of God.
May our tears be turned into dancing!
For the Lord, our light and our love,
has turned the night into day!

Verse 2

We are sons of the morning; we are daughters of day.
The One who has loved us has brightened our way.
The Lord of all kindness has called us to be
a light for his people to set their hearts free.

Refrain

Verse 3
God is light; in him there is no darkness.
Let us walk in his light, his children, one and all.
O comfort my people; make gentle your words.
Proclaim to my city the day of her birth.

Refrain

Verse 4
O city of gladness, now lift up your voice!
Proclaim the good tidings that all may rejoice!

© Daniel Schutte 1981.