We are in a run of social justice songs in the second volume of As One Voice. This is by Sydney Carter. The sample at AOV lets you know the folk styling required and also the freedom with phrasing that is used.
This is a nice choral arrangement. I’m not sure about this bar band version.
My backing is at 75 bpm and much less ambitious.
1.
When I needed a neighbour
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter
Were you there?2.
I was hungry and thirsty …
3.
I was cold, I was naked …
4.
When I needed a shelter …
5.
When I needed a healer …6.
When they put me in prison…
7.
Wherever you travel
I’ll be there, I’ll be there.
Wherever you travel
I’ll be there.
And the creed and the colour
And the name won’t matter
I’ll be there.
© Stainer and Bell 1965.