This song is just about the most commonly sung song at our church. It is by Sr Deidre Brown, a Loreto sister, although for years I thought it was by Fr Frank Andersen. As it purports to speak for God it had no chance of getting an NLMB “Yes”, but it appeals to many people. (eg this blog – even though they don’t know who really wrote it, and this one too.) Hear it done simply and sincerely here.
You can buy Paul Gurr’s version on I-Tunes by following this link.
On the other hand for others it is a pelagian heretical monstrosity and they want to rewrite it. I found some very nasty threads that I won’t link to about this song.
Sometimes we need to be confronted with our failings and challenged with our sin. At other times God’s grace needs to be emphasised. Our lives have a lot of gray margins where certainty is a bit useless and being open to God’s love is all that is important. I think that is why this little song from a Loreto Nun means so much to people and why it would scandalise the people of God to have it anathemetised. If you need to, why not sing it now.
Verse 1
Come as you are, that’s how I want you
Come as you are, feel quite at home
Close to my heart, loved and forgiven
Come as you are, why stand alone?Verse 2
No need to fear, love sets no limits
No need to fear, love never ends
Don’t run away, shamed and disheartened
Rest in my love, trust me againVerse 3
I came to call sinners, not just the virtuous
I came to bring peace, not to condemn
Each time you fail, to live by my promise
Why do you think, I’d love you the less?Verse 4
Come as you are, that’s how I love you
Come as you are, trust me again
Nothing can change, the love that I bear you
All will be well, just come as you are.
© Deidre Browne
Published by Spectrum Publications.
http://www.spectrumpublications.com.au/
Love the song, but would like music, sheet music or chords. Where can I find it?
I live in the northern rivers area of NSW Australia and I looking for the sheet music for Come As You Are.
So far we have it appearing in the collections “As One Voice”, “Gather Australia” and “Together in Song.” It does not appear to be available to purchase for download anywhere, but I suspect local Catholic churches would have these collections and TIS is used across denominations.
Geoff
As far as I know it is only easily available in the As One Voice Collections available here:
http://asonevoice.thecreativecollective.com.au/as-one-voice-vol-1-2-combined
I’m not sure if the original books are still in print but you could talk to Spectrum publications.
http://www.spectrumpublications.com.au/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1
You could try to contact Sr Browne through the Loreto community.
http://www.loreto.org.au/Home/Our-Spirituality/Nurturing-Your-Spirituality/Literature.aspx
Found it on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18LYf7jcJ8Q
Thanks, Jed.
Geoff
The song ‘Come as You Are’ is No.693 in Together in Song – Australian Hymn Book 2
Thanks Brian, I appreciate the help.
cheers
Geoff
In TIS 693, this hymn is fully punctuated. Thus we can readily understand the different thoughts of the author.
what year did Deidre Browne write this song? did she write both the words and the music?
Sr Deidre Brown wrote the music and the lyrics. The arrangement by Jane Wood in Gather Australia is dated at 1994. The arrangement by David Pudney in As One Voice is undated. I can’t find a composing date for certain. You could use the contact details on this page to ask her yourself I suppose:
http://www.loreto.org.au/Home/Contact-Us.aspx
I lead singing at Mass once, sometimes twice a month. As I don’t play a musical instrument I use backing tracks that I have had done or procured off sites that supply them. Can some of your backings be purchased as Mp3 downloads for this purpose?
I especially like your version of “Come As You Are.”
I realise you have done the backings so people can learn the songs through the melody, but some of them are very good and would be suitable for my purpose.
Can you please email me to let me know .
Thank you, John.
I’ll be in touch, John.
Geoff
I need to sing at a funeral on Monday and like John, I am a singer who requires backing tracks as I cannot play an instrument. I would love to download a few of the backing tracks if you could please lead me to where I can do this.
Warmest regards
I’ll be in touch, Lisa.
Geoff
This song is definitely written before 1990. I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in 1990 when I heard this song in church. I have a copy of the music sheet but not sure the copyright issue.
I’m sure you’re right, Michael.
Geoff
is come as you are available through iTunes?
Bizarrely it appears the Paul Gurr version is not available on I-Tunes in Australia but it may be in England and France.
His version is on Youtube:
https://youtu.be/b0cbQS55RTM
Geoff
Good Day!
I love the song Come as You Are….
By the can you make ma minus one of God and God ALone
the is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSuFA7ZZL-M..
I’ll wait for this…..thank and God Bless you!
Just to contribute a personal note about Deirdre Brown. Her musical talent in her school days at Loreto Normanhurst (Sydney, upper North Shore) was legend, and matched by a beautiful personality and very competent and popular role as head girl, in the early 1950’s. She entered Loreto, becoming Sister Cecilia (now that’s a surprise choice!) until after Vatican Two when their own names were resumed. Deidre became Provincial of Loreto in Australia and took on other leading roles in the Australian Church.
Many thanks for the information, Marjorie.
Geoff
This song is spoken by Jesus, in a very human heart-felt way, not by God as the Father.
Unfortunately it still is not available in the USA on Itunes. Guess it hits to many nerves that do not want to be hit. Lovely song, Inspired!!!!
The lyrics, chords and music sheets are available here: https://christianmusicsheets.com/come-as-you-are-deirdre-browne-david-putney/
That link takes me to a Japanese ad for socks.
That’s weird, Jim, it still goes to the song lyrics for me.
Geoff
To Whom it may Concern- the chords to Come as You Are-
Intro- G D A B A G
Chords to the Song-
G D E A B A
G D E B
G E B D
G D A B A G