The Cry of the Poor (AOV 1/83)

This setting of Ps 34 is by John Foley. It can be purchased for download at OCP.

We sing it a lot and frequently largely acapella and also even slower than written.  Try it some time. The verses being a little faster than the refrain is a difficult trick to pull off and risks causing an acceleration in tempo over the course of the song. The original can be heard here. This version keeps the tempo the same but adds gorgeous spanish guitar. Actually Youtube has a lot of pretty good versions to listen to, which is most unusual.

Refrain
The Lord hears the cry of the poor.
Blessed be the Lord.

Verse 1

I will bless the Lord at all times,
with praise ever in my mouth.
Let my soul glory in the Lord,
who will hear the cry of the poor.

Refrain

Verse 2

Let the lowly hear and be glad:
the Lord listens to their pleas;
and to hearts broken, God is near,
who will hear the cry of the poor.

Refrain

Verse 3

Ev’ry spirit crushed, God will save;
will be ransom for their lives;
will be safe shelter for their fears,
and will hear the cry of the poor.

Refrain

Verse 4

We proclaim your greatness, O God,
your praise ever in our mouth;
ev’ry face brightened in your light,
for you hear the cry of the poor.

Refrain

© John Foley and NALR 1978.