Here’s song that I wrote with Leigh Newton for the Easter season. We worked on it last year but didn’t release it in time, The lyric starts on Palm Sunday and follows the Easter events, which means that it is can either be sung progressively, some verses during Holy week and the whole song on or after Easter Sunday, or as a post-Easter reflection.
The lyrics begin with a play on words – “palms” meaning both palm leaves, and the action of putting hands out and down to honour someone. As the verses continue, it is clear that the palms are hands, both Christ’s hands and ours. [Thanks to members of the UCA Songwriters group for comments on the text-in-progress.]
The hymn-like melody is quite melancholic and reflective, so it’s not a simple song of praise. I think it suits a communion liturgy. The song is suitable as a small group item, with the congregation jonining in on the chorus.
Lay Down Your Palms
Lay down your palms upon this ground.
Let loud hosannas cascade ’round.
May peace be hallowed in this hour
in scattered leaves and shattered powers.
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna, Prince of Peace.
Lift up your palms to break this bread.
Let friendship’s wine be freely shared.
Love fill our hearts, though tears be shed
for one betrayed, denied, bereft.
Hosanna, Hosanna,
We remember, Servant Lord.
Spread out, these palms, upon the tree
in suffering hope, love’s agony.
God’s crucified humanity
Deep grace revealed in mystery.
Hosanna, Hosanna,
Have mercy, Suff’ring One.
Raised up, these palms, from empty tomb,
to be reborn, as from the womb,
Though wounded, shining with the light
of heaven’s gift, new earth’s delight.
Hosanna, Hosanna,
Breathe on us, Risen Christ.
Hold out your palms toward this land
with cradled hope in heart and hands
to everyone in need of grace
and life abundant in this place.
Hosanna, Hosanna
Walk with us, Spirit Friend.
Alleluia, alleluia,
Alleluia, Amen.
Words by Craig Mitchell. Music by Leigh Newton. Copyright 2025. CCLI # 7259138