Michael Herry notes this as a song for Lent and especially Lent 5 Year B. But honestly, this will work as a communion hymn pretty much any time of the year where a minor key isn’t jarring and the tune is a peach. The text is John 12:20-33.
It is from his collection “God of Surprises” and I haven’t even scratched the surface of his output. You could seriously base an entire parish repertoire on songs like this, all provided for free at Marist Music, where you can also listen to his version.
I made a backing anyway once through, but it would easily bear repetition.
Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
It remains but a single grain.
Unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies,
It remains but a single grain.
But if it dies, it springs to life:
Yes, if it dies it springs to life,
Losing itself, it yields a harvest rich in life.
But if it dies, it springs to life:
Yes, if it dies it springs to life,
Losing itself, it yields a harvest rich in life.
ⓒ 2008 Michael Herry