Waiting for the Child

Sam shared her parishes’ music selections for Advent, which included Michael Mangan’s “Waiting for the Child.” It is part of the collection This is the Time, which I never bought because I had some of the songs from other collections. I really should get it though, because it is specifically liturgical music from Australia filling many parish needs.

I listened to it on YouTube and it is a lovely delicate piece so I had a go at knocking out a backing. Since Michael’s favourite key is G, I figured if he is going minor it will be Em and I guessed the rest from there, but it is only my guess, obviously buy the music and get it right if you are using it for Advent. The lyrics are up on his website, but I’ve put them below for convenience.

1. Watching and waiting,

                  Wondering just why

                  I’m so restless and sleepless,

                  Waking in the night.

                  What was promised soon will be here,

                  I am yearning for Him.

                  There’s a stirring deep inside me

                  As I’m waiting…waiting for the Child.

            2.   Longing and lonely,

                  Humming lullabies,

                  With arms aching and empty,

                  Heart is open wide.

                  Oh to see Him and to touch Him

                  And to hold Him to me.

                  There’s a stirring deep inside me

                  As I’m waiting…waiting for the child.

            3.   Searching and sighing,

                  Waiting for the dawn

                  Of a new day of promise,

                  Emmanuel come forth!

                  Soon He’ll be here right before me,

                  I am ready for Him.

                  There’s a stirring deep inside me

                  As I’m waiting…waiting for the child.

© 2005, 1995 Litmus Productions, Brisbane, Australia.