Fan the Flame of Hope

The first song in the Willow collection, Pilgrims of Hope, is “Fan the Flames of Hope,” with a healing text by lyricist, Monica O’Brien and set by the well known music director and composer Michael Harvey.

Having looked ahead, the texts in this collection have inspiration from the themes of the Jubilee, but will have relevance beyond 2025, and this is no exception. The words are solace and wisdom in uncertain times and a mission call nonetheless, to be a new creation in Christ.

The only problem with having such a talented composer, obviously on piano, is the switch to Ab for the guitar solo, then Db with the key change, so us poor feeble guitarists are suddenly up the fretboard playing Db barre chords. Therefore, in routine parish use, no key change and stay in C – save the marvellous production number for special occasions!

It is anthemic indeed and can be played as big as you like, but I have played and sung it on guitar alone and it works fine for me (until the key change).

The sheet music for the whole collection is available to download for less than $A30, along with other useful bundles, at Willow. Physical copies are also available, which is much appreciated.

The wonderful professional recording on YouTube below lets you know what it can sound like. I like the challenge of pitting Band in a Box against real musicianship and revel in glorious failure. I didn’t let BIAB fudge the guitar solo this time – I was good boy and entered the notes. I even slowed down at end.

Sing along to learn the song to see if you can use it in your liturgies, and enjoy using music that was written this millenium – last year actually.

1 Darkness falls away in the healing light of Christ,
Guiding our footsteps on the path of love and grace.
Differences are honoured,
Judgement falls away,
Hope becomes the doorway to a brand new day.

Chorus

Let us fan the flame of hope
To shine throughout our nation.
Stir in us a vision to become a new creation.
Fan the flame of hope,
As we turn toward the Light.
Jesus is our reason
To fan the flame of hope.

2 Drawing close to you
We find strength to carry on,
Clinging to your promise to be with us always.
Broken hearts are mended as they find new strength in you.
Christ, you are the doorway
To peace breaking through.

Chorus

Solo

Chorus (Key change)

© 2024 Michael Harvey and Monica O’Brien