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”.
I’m making a lyric video in the next couple of days and will post a link. Right-click or control-click below to download the mp3 file (Note: The file is hosted on another site of mine.)
“How Shall We Sing?” Audio Recording
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
Wonderful Psalm. It was used in the service at Kew Uniting Church by Rev Jenny Preston today (30 Jan 22).
Thank you for your talents and gift to us.
Strong singable melody and many visions touched on over a contemporary rhythm. In the recording 3/4 of the first verse is repeated, recording dub error. Its very long.
Thanks Rod. Any positive feedback from you is a great encouragement. Yes I did an extended intro for the video which is not in the music score itself. I was playing with the symbolism of ‘long time habitation’ before colonisation. Hence the instrumental intro with the kind of didgeridoo sound and then the switch to the more Western sound of the song. That’s a subtle thing, but as I said, it’s in the video and not the actual music score which jumps straight into it. I was after a Goanna “Solid Rock” meets Midnight Oil feel. Grateful for your comments.