If yesterday’s song from John Burland was a catchy pop Marian “hymn”, this is a pop earworm with lyrics for Gifts, Eucharist, Advent or maybe even Lent. Much of what is now considered traditional hymnody was derived from the pop music of its day, so I’m not going to decry the pop idiom if it is what works in your school or assembly.
It is from his collection All Are Welcome Here and the sheet music is available for $A20 at his website. All his music is inexpensive, he has deals for school licences, he makes video clips so you know what it is meant to sound like and even has backing tracks to sing along with. It’s a thoughtful and sensible approach for schools and many of the songs will work in the parish as well.
His backing track didn’t stop me making mine, which leans even more into classic pop.
Chorus
Love came to earth
through the gift of your son.
Jesus’ life poured out for us.
Through his body and blood we’re given life anew.
No greater love than the Lord our God’s.
No greater love than the Lord our God’s.Verse 1
I stumble and fall on my way to you Lord
Though my heart is willing I so often fail.
When darkness comes your love keeps guiding me on
Your gift of sacrifice, given for me.Pre-Chorus
One name above all
Throughout every nation.Chorus
Verse 2
I hear you Lord and I follow your way.
Let me be your hands and feet every day.
Walking in faith I will live by your Word
Giving voice to others so they can be heard.
Pre-Chorus
ChorusNo greater love, no greater love, there is no greater love.
Last Chorus
Love came to earth
through the gift of your son.
Jesus’ life poured out for us.
Through his body and blood we’re given life anew.
No greater love than the Lord our God’s. x2No greater love than the Lord our God’s.
No greater love than the Lord our God’s.
© 2019 John Burland