I’m at the start of a survey of Australian composers like Leo Watt and Brian Boniwell, and I’m currently looking at Fr Frank Andersen MSC. I really should add Michael Herry to my list as well. Then there is the Holy Trinity of Mangan, Chinn and Burland to consider… not to mention O’Brien, Watts, Ogilvie and McKenna, even though a lot of their work is in AOV. Let me know who else I should be looking at.
This is a country song about Mary and probably is a solo or a school choir piece. It was originally called “The Wonders He has Done For You” but the language was tidied up for modern sensibilities. I’ve removed the exclamation marks because of my sensibilities.
His music and CDs are available here and the download version of the sheet music is really the one you are after.
1
Long before the earth your name was Mary.
Born from deep within God’s memory.
Fashioned by the finger of God’s wisdom,
A burning sun within a world of sin.
In your heart the message was implanted;
A word of hope God had longed to send…
Nourished by your prayer and in the Spirit…
You gave birth to God in Bethlehem.
Refrain
So sing to the Lord with all your heart.
Sing God’s praises today.
The wonders God has done for you
Speak to me of God’s ways. (Rpt)
2
Through your heart a sword will pass in sorrow.
Opening a mother’s tenderness.
Showing us the courage of one Woman,
Standing with her son in emptiness…
In your life we see God’s faithful servant…
Confidence burns bright within your heart.
You have walked beneath the cloud of Knowing.
The hand of God itself has touched your heart.
© Frank Andersen 1979