Here's a recording of the song I co-wrote with David MacGregor, "How Shall We Sing?" in 2018 after the Songwrite event in Brisbane. It was prompted by Dr Tanya Riches' input about writing songs with a local flavour. The song is a suggested resource for a Day of Mourning in Uniting Church congregations on the Sunday prior to Australia Day. We finally got around to making something that would help people to learn the song. It was written as a lament. As it happens the chorus is kind of anthemic, so I decided to start it quieter and let it build up. The wonderful Steve Bevis provided the vocal. David's piano playing is in there, and I'm to blame for the rest of it. I learn by trial and error so this is me learning a bit more about recording.
I'd appreciate hearing your feedback.
The score is in my book "Deeper Water" (see link below).
How Shall We Sing?
How shall we sing the Lord’s song
in this strange land?
How shall we sing the Lord’s song
in this strange land?
This endless desert
These golden sands
This blue horizon
These green islands
How can we sing the song?
How can we sing the song?
How shall we hear God’s story
of this strange land?
How shall we hear God’s story
of this strange land?
This timeless dreaming
These rocks and bones
This wisdom people
Their ancient home
How can we sing the song?
How can we sing the song?
Come hear a new song
Come hear a new song
Come sing it loud
Come sing it strong
How shall we cry God’s weeping
for this strange land?
How shall we cry God’s weeping
for this strange land?
This broken homeland
These stolen years
Their hidden history
This trail of tears
How can we cry the song?
How can we cry the song?
How shall we live God’s story
in this strange land?
How shall we live God’s story
in this strange land?
With eyes wide open
and gaping hearts
With truthful longing
and stumbling start
How can we live the song?
How can we live the song?
Come sing a new song
Come sing a new song
Come sing it loud
Come sing it strong
How can we bring the Lord’s peace
in this strange land?
How can we bring the Lord’s peace
in this strange land?
With justice raining
When poor are blessed
With love outpouring
From east to west
How can we bring the song?
How can we bring the song?
Come sing a new song
Come sing a new song
Come sing it loud
Come sing it strong
Come sing a new song
Come sing a new song
Come sing it loud
Come sing it strong
lyrics: Craig Mitchell © 2018
music: David MacGregor © 2018
From "Deeper Water" published by Mediacom Education 2021.
Thank you for writing this. I used to say that when you look inot eucalyptus trees through tears they become birches of my homeland.
God called me to serve Him in this strange land - you poetry touched me deeply.
Rev Anneli Sinkko
Posted by: Rev Anneli Sinkko | January 06, 2022 at 08:31 PM
Anneli, thanks very much for your feedback. I'm glad that it struck a chord for you.
Craig
Posted by: craigmitchell | January 07, 2022 at 10:44 AM