GodSongs.net

Hail Virgin Dearest Mary (Our lovely Queen of May)

2026-05-14T16:59:01.458-07:00

This hymn was most likely written for the Northern-hemisphere custom of crowning Mary as Queen of the May. Today it is also used for Flores de Mayo celebrations in the Philippines and other countries.

The original author is unclear: it has been attributed to S. M. Venn or S. M. Yenn in various websites, but it seems likely that this person simply composed a new tune for the text. It was published without attribution in the American Catholic Hymnal, published by the Marist Brothers in 1913 (ref), and also in Hymns and Songs for Catholic Children (1870) Based on this, it is almost certainly now in the public domain.

With meter 7 6 7 6, tune it has been set to include

LAMBOLETTE by Louis Lambolette - the most-commonly published tune
An un-named tune by S M Yenn (1919) - ref
An un-named contemporary tune by Fr. J. Roel Lungay.

Alleluia Sing to Jesus

2026-05-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about Jesus, which is particularly popular at Easter, but can be used at many other times too.

It was written by English, high Anglican, maritime insurance specialist and poet / hymn-writer William Chatterton Dix (1837–1898). It was first published in Altar Songs, Verses on the Holy Eucharist, 1867.

With meter 8.7.8.7 D, tunes that it has been set to include:

HYFRYDOL by Rowland Hugh Prichard (1811-1887) - most commonly used today.
ALLELUIA (Wesley) by Samuel Sebastian Wesley (1868) in the European Psalmist, 1872 - written for the text, but not often used.
ADORATION (Luard-Selby) by Bertram Luard-Selby, published in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1904.

Let the Earth Rejoice and Sing, Alleluia

2026-05-10T16:53:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about Jesus, used, on the feast of the Ascension, in the Liturgy of the Hours.

The words were written (translated?) by American Roman Catholic priest (member of the Society of St. Sulpice order), seminary director, translator and author, Melvin Lloyd Farrell (1930-1986), and first published by in 1955 by World Library Publications.

With meter 7.7.7.7 with alleluias, it is almost-always set to the tune LLANFAIR by Welsh composer Robert Williams (1782-1818) - best known as the tune for Hail the Day that Sees Him Rise.

Hymn-books where it has been published in include:

The People's Hymnal, World Library of Sacred Music, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA 1955
The People's Hymnal, 2nd edition World Library of Sacred Music, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA 1964
Peoples Mass Book (Complete Daily Missal edition), World Library of Sacred Music, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA 1964
People's Mass Book, New Daily Missal Edition, World Library of Sacred Music, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA 1966
The Veritas Hymnal, Ireland 1973
Book of Worship for United States, World Library Publications, USA, 1974
Hymns Old and New - A Hymnbook for the Irish Church, Kevin Mayhew (Ireland) Ltd, 1977
One in Faith, World Library Publications, Franklin Park, IL, USA - 2015.

As I Kneel Before You

2026-05-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

This is a folk-style hymn to Mary. The verses are in English, while the chorus is the first few phrases from the Latin version of the "Hail Mary" prayer.

The lyrics were written by Maria Parkinson (b 1956). It was published in Songs of the Spirit, 1978 and there are suggestions that it was published in 1975 also, but this has not been verified.

The song was used when Pope John Paull II visited Liverpool Cathedral in 1982, and this suggests that it is likely Parkinson is English. She had two further songs published in Volume II of Songs of the Spirit, and they are the only hymns that CCLI lists for her. No further information about her has been located.

The songs is set to an un-named tune, also by Parkinson. This has a 3/4 time signature (waltz time), and was originally published in the key of G: the first few notes are G A F G E D.

It has been widely used on pilgrimages to places such as Lourdes and Medjugorje, and has been translated into various different languages. For example,

This Spanish language version (video)
This Portuguese version (sheet music for a SATB arrangement of the chorus)
This version (possibly in Latvian).

The best source of sheet music is one of the hymnals it is included in, like:

Hymns old and New, definitely the 2009 Catholic edition possibly others also.
McCrimmon's Celebration Hymnal for Everyone

Isaiah 49: I Will Never Forget You - Landry

2026-05-09T14:06:00.000-07:00

This is a gentle hymn about God's faithfulness. The words are based on Isaiah 49:15-19.

It was written by American musician and at-that-time Roman Catholic priest Carey Landry (b 1944), and first published in1975. Later it was included in his best-of compilation, All Is Well with My Soul: Songs for Liturgy and Prayer1970 - 2010.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Landry. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes of the melody are DE F FF GF z GA F with accompanying chords D / F / D.

The source of the 3rd verse listed below is unknown: it was sung in New Zealand in the 1990s / 2000s (and possibly earlier) but it has not been located in any printed versions

A Thousand Hallelujahs

2026-05-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

This is a contemporary-style hymn of praise, which honours creation, and Jesus as saviour.

It was written by:

New Zealand born-and-raised singer and songwriter, and member of the Australian Christian music group Hillsong Worship group, Brooke Gabrielle Ligertwood (née Fraser; b. 1983)
American contemporary Christian singer, musician and songwriter, Phil Wickham (b 1984)
Australian Christian song-writer, and husband of Brooke Ligertwood, Scott Ligertwood (b. 1983).

The song was first released as the lead-single from Brooke Ligertwood's first solo live-worship album, Seven, in early 2022.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Ligertwood, Wickhan and Ligertwood . This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Db, the first few notes of the melody are DD DDDD DDDD D FF F_ ED with accompanying chords Db / B6 / Db.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Downloadable arrangement for piano and voice

Downloadable arrangement for SATB choir

Examples

Lead signer and band, professional recording at a live event

Professional worship video, with words on-screen

Band with lead-singer

Worship leader with piano

Instrumental - piano

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so should not be reproduced here. They are currently available on this video from Hillsong.

That said, the words are on a number of websites, and on every one reviewed so far, they have no punctuation. But the official sheet music released by Hillsong (links above) does have commas, question-marks and full-stops. So I have reproduced the full words, including punctuation, below. They may need to be removed if the copyright owners object.

1. Who else would rocks cry out to worship|?
Whose glory taught the stars to shine?
Perhaps creation longs to have the words to sing.
But this joy is mine.

Chorus
With a thousand hallelujahs
We magnify Your Name.
You alone deserve the glory
The honor and the praise.
Lord Jesus, this song is forever Yours.
A thousand hallelujahs,
And a thousand more.

Who else would die for our redemption?
Whose resurrection means I’ll rise?
There isn’t time enough to sing of all You’ve done,
but I have eternity to try.

Bridge:
Praise to the Lord,
To the Lamb,
To the King of heaven.
Praise for He rose,
Now He reigns,
We will sing forever.

See more ...

Come and Follow Me (Come be My light)

2026-05-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about discipleship and the call to mission in the church and the world.

It was written by American Roman Catholic secular rock-musician, and later youth-minister, and parish music director, Tom Franzak (b. 1954), and first published by GIA Publications, Inc, USA in 1997.

The song has been translated into Spanish as Ven y Sígueme by American Roman Catholic priest Ronald F. Krisman (b. 1946).

Hymn-books where it has been published in include:

Gather (3rd ed.)
Gather Comprehensive, Second Edition
Oramos Cantando = We Pray In Song.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Franzak . This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are G AB G_ AB d_

Come Away to the Skies

2026-05-03T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is a joyous hymn of praise, which focusses on spiritual renewal.

It was written by English Anglican minister, co-leader of the Methodist movement and hymn-writer, Charles Wesley (1707–1788) for his wife's birthday. First published in his Hymns for Families, 1767, No. 165, in 8 stanzas of 6 lines, it has been published in various ways since.

The most-common form of the hymn now has meter 6.6.9 D, and tunes it is set to include:

MIDDLEBURY, composer unknown, from The Southern Harmony, and Musical Companion, 1854 - so it must be in the public domain - the most commonly used tune (and the only one that a recording has been of so far)
ROWLEY (Mason) by Lowell Mason ()
EXULTATION (Humphreys) by R. D. Humphreys (1826-?).

May is the Month of Mary / Mary is Beautiful

2026-04-30T17:27:00.000-07:00

This song about Mary was used in primary schools in England, Scotland and Ireland from the mid 20th century - and there are references to it being sung in the early 21st century.

No recent published versions have been found, but there are numerous on-line references to the first verse and chorus quoted below.

It was most-likely included in "New Hymns for Young and Old: Words by SND set to original tunes by Lloyd Hartley", published by Cary and Co, London in 1948, and featuring music by English, 1930s radio broadcaster, pianist, composer and piano teacher Lloyd Hartley (1882-1953).

If you have any more information about the song, and any other tunes it has been sung to, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

All I Ask of You is Forever to Remember Me

2026-04-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

This folk-song was written by a Catholic monk in the 1970s. It doesn't have explicitly religious lyrics, but was nevertheless used as a hymn at the time. It can be interpreted as:

A wedding song, expressing the bride and groom's hopes for each other
A reminder of the meaning of the Eucharist ("do this in memory of me")
A song for funerals, naming the human desire to be remembered, and directing this towards love
A statement about God's love for each person, and God's desire for people to know this love.

This breadth makes the song both versatile, and confusing. The verses are not lyrically strong: Some people use the chorus alone as a prayer mantra, and many think there are other better options. Nevertheless, it has become popular again in the early/mid 21st century.

The song was written by American Roman Catholic and at-the-time Benedictine monk Gregory Norbet (b 1940), and originally released in 1972 or 73. A keyboard accompaniment was written by another monk, Mary David Callahan, OSB. Today the song is copyright to the monks of Weston Priory via the The Benedictine Foundation of the State of Vermont, and sheet music is available from OCP (link below).

It is set to an unnamed tune, by Norbet. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are F F F F F FG AG FE FE D_ with accompanying chords F / Dm / F / Bb/ C7.

A Shepherd I'll be to You

2026-04-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

This is a song which uses some distinctly Australian phrases to deliver the Jesus' the Good Shepherd's message of concern for his flock.

It was written by Australian Roman Catholic priest Kevin Bates SM (-2024) in 1989 and copyright is now managed by Willow Publishing Pty. Ltd.

Sheet music, arranged by David Pudney, can be purchased for download from Willow Digital Publishing (link below).

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Bates. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are ... D DAAA A G F.

Battle is O’er Hell’s Armies Flee

2026-04-19T07:14:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn for Easter, about Jesus' resurrection and triumph over death. The words are based on a Latin hymn, Finita iam sunt proelia, author unknown, which was first published in the Simphonia Sirenum (1695)

The English-language translation was made by English Anglican-ordained and later Roman Catholic priest, translator, theologian, radio-broadcaster and author Ronald Arbuthnott Knox (1888-1957).

Hymn books where it has been published include:

Westminster Hymnal 1939, Burns Oates & Washbourne, England
Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, McCrimmon Publichations, England, 1994.

With meter 8.8.8 with alleluia, it is set a tune called SURREXIT by Dom A Gregory Murray OSB (1905-1992).

Open my Eyes Lord (Help me to See)

2026-04-17T18:46:00.000-07:00

This is a gentle hymn of petition, asking for God's help to see and know the real Jesus. It is based on Mark 8:22-25.

The song was written by American-born, South Seas Islander, Roman Catholic singer/songwriter, composer, musician and evangeliser, Jesse Manibusan, and first published in 1988 by OCP Publications.

A Spanish-language translation, "Abre mis ojos, Que quiero ver como tú" has also been created by American born and educated Roman Catholic religious (Franciscan) brother, liturgist and inculturation expert, Rufino Zaragoza, OFM, (b. 1957).

A Vietnamese-language translation, Cho Con Ðu?c Nhìn, has also been created.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Manibusan. This has a 6/8 time signature. In the key of E, the first few notes of the melody are GFE C B,_ GFE G_ B_ E with accompanying chords E / A / E / B7 / E / B / C#m.

On the Journey to Emmaus

2026-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about recognising Jesus and welcoming strangers. It is based on Luke 24:13-35.

The words were written by American Lutheran musician and composer Marty Haugen (b 1950).

With irregular meter, it is set to a traditional Gaelic tune, COLUMCILLE, which has been used for hymns including Spirit Seeking Light and Beauty. The vocal range of this tune is challenging, and it is usually set in the key of F#m to facilitate singers.

A cut down version of the sheet music, with just the tune (which is in the public domain) and a very few words, is provided below. If your have a copyright licence that covers reproducing the words, you may be able to add them to this. Full sheet music is available from GIA Publications (link below).

Pronunciation of Emmaus

The location of "Emmaus" in Jerusalem is not known (see more about this in Wikipedia). Perhaps because of this there are some disagreements about how to pronounce the word. In some countries it is phonetically pronounced "eh-MAY-uhs" while others (as seen in one of the videos below) "eh-MOSS" is sometimes used. If the song is used with a mixed group, it may be useful for the leader to decide on the approach to be used.

The Baker Woman

2026-04-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

This a a folk-style hymn about Mary "baking" Jesus, and his subsequent life and death, endign with his being recognised on the road to Emmaus.

It was written by Hubert John (Bert) Richards - although the 20th Century Folk Hymnal published in 1974 says it is translated from French, and various websites say that it is based on an as-yet-unidentified French song for Advent.

The song was originally published in 1966 and in 1982 copyright was assigned to Kevin Mayhew Ltd. It is included in the current edition of the Celebration Hymnal for Everyone, which has a full-music edition with the entire score.

Be Joyful Mary

2026-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:00

This is a Marian hymn of joy for the Easter season. It is a translation of the 17th Century Latin Regina Caeli, and is sometimes called Be Joyful Mary Heavenly Queen.

The translator is unknown.

With meter 85.84.7, it is almost always set to the tune REGINA CAELI JUBLIA, which was written by Johann Leisentritt (1527-1586), and published in his Catholicum Hymnologium Germanicum in 1584.

We Walk by Faith

2026-04-11T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about faith. It can be used for Lent, and throughout the liturgical year.

The words were written by English Anglican priest, theologian, poet and hymn-writer, Henry Alford (1810–1871) and first published in his book Psalms & Hymns (1844).

In common metre (CM / 8.6.8.6), tunes it has been set to include

MARTYRDOM by Hugh Wilson (1766-1824)
SHANTI, by American Lutheran composer and pastoral musician, Marty Haugen (b 1950)
ARLINGTON BY Thomas Augustine Arne (1762)
ST FLAVIAN, unknown 1562
ST ANNE by William Croft (1700s)
DUNLAP'S CREEK (McFarland) by Samuel McFarland (1814)
ST. BOTOLPH by Gordon Slater (1929)

He is Lord, He is Lord / You are Lord

2026-04-09T21:14:00.000-07:00

This is a short worship-chorus about Jesus, the risen Lord. It is based on Philippians 2:10-11 "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

The author and composer are unknown: American Christian musician Steve Vest states that he composed it, but clarified that there are text-differences between his song and this one. He didn't link to a published version, so it's not been possible to compare the tune - and the folk-process means that slightly different versions of the tune are used around the world.

The earliest publication found so far is Scripture in Song - Songs of Praise - Volume 1, released in New Zealand in 1971.

In some liturgically-focused churches the words are changed to speak to the person of Christ (You are Lord .. You are risen .. You O Christ are Lord). Churches with more free-format worship have added extra verses, eg He is King, He is love, etc: sometimes these are only different in the first and last lines, and sometimes they introduce different ideas in the other lines too, for example:

He is King, he is King,
He will draw all nations to him, He is King;
And the time shall be, when the world shall sing,
That Jesus Christ is King.

He will come, He will come,
He has promised in His Word that He will come,
Some glad day or night, with great power and might
The risen Lord will come.

If you have any more information about the song, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

Accept Almighty Father

2026-04-08T14:34:00.000-07:00

This is an offertory hymn.

It was published anonymously, in the 1966 Parish Mass Book – St. Joseph Edition. and in the Basilian Hymn Book of 1906 and in the The Catholic Youth's Hymn Book, P. O'Shea, New York, 1871. This latter publication means that it is now the public domain.

It appears to have been translated into a German hymn, (“Wir weihn der Erde Gaben”) published in 1942 by Petronia Steiner OP.

With meter of 76 76 76, tunes it has been set it include

A tune by J Mohr (also used for The Church's One Foundation)
"Iz-za ostrova na strezhen" or "Volga, Volga mat' rodnaya", a Russian folk melody, composer unknown, pre 1890s - used for Vaster Far than any Ocean.

This is the Day the Lord has Made (Sing, sing, sing Alleluia)

2026-04-06T01:54:00.000-07:00

This is a cheerful hymn of praise for children, which is particularly suitable for Easter, and for celebrations like First Communion. The words use the "this is the day" motif expressed in Psalm 118:24.

The song was written by Irish Roman Catholic music-educator and youth choir director Mary Amond O’Brien () for the Irish Bishop's conference sponsored Alive-O religious education programme. It was included in the book Music to Honour God's Name which was published by Veritas, Dublin, Ireland in 2000.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Amond O’Brien. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are F_ c_ Bcd c_ A_ B cd c_ A G_FG_

Alleluia, Alleluia! Hearts to Heaven

2026-04-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

This is an energetic hymn of praise, which is especially suitable for Easter.

The words were written by English intellectual and Anglican clergyman Christopher Wordsworth (1807-1885), who was a nephew of celebrated English poet, William Wordsworth (1770–1850).

With meter 8.7.8.7 D, tunes it has been set to include:

LUX EOI by Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900) - of Gilbert and Sullivan fame
AUSTRIA by Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
HYMN TO JOY/ODE TO JOY by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
WEISSE FLAGGEN, composer unknown, from Tochter Sion, Cologne, 1741
EBENEZER (YON-Y-BOTEL) by Welsh composer Thomas John Williams (1890-1944).

God Bids us Welcome to His House

2026-04-05T03:05:00.000-07:00

This is a folk-style hymn, expressing joy in praising God, which is often used at Easter. It is based on a French hymn, "Dieu Nous Accueille En Sa Maison", by French Roman Catholic organist and choir-director in the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Lourdes, Jean-Paul Lécot (b. 1947).

The refrain and first verse are published in the Lourdes Repetoire Multilingue, however the author of the English translation is unknown.

The hymn was included on an off-label recording released by the Hexham and Newcastle Lourdes Pilgrimage Choir in 1985 as the almost-title track (source) - and is still occasionally used in Ireland and England. (The album was called God Makes us Welcome .. and this is sometimes used as the first line.

The original tune is also attributed to Jean-Paul Lecot. It was adapted from a hymn tune, VICTORY, which is based on a Palestrina Gloria, and associated with the hymn "The Strife is o'er, the battle done.

More recently, at least one wedding singer has set the song to the folk-tune used for The Water is Wide.

If you have any more information about the hymn, please leave a message in the Comments section near the bottom of the page.

This is the Day, This is the Day

2026-04-04T03:06:00.000-07:00

This simple hymn for Easter, sometimes regarded as a song for children. The first verse and chorus are based on Psalm 118:24.

New Zealand born and educated, Australian emigrant, Christian Life Centre pastor, Bible-college lecturer and musician, Lesley (Les) Garrett (1943-2017) is listed as the paraphraser in most early publications. Usually this implies he took an existing scripture translation, and set the words to a tune -in this case, a folk-tune from Fiji (an island-nation in the Pacific).

The song was reportedly first published in by Scripture in Song in Australia in 1967. In later publications, both the tune and the words of verse 1 are attributed to Garrett, but many people wonder about the accuracy of this:

The initial Australian publication or recording has not been identified.
The relationship between Les Garrett, and New Zealanders David and Dale Garrett who founded Scripture in Song New Zealand in 1968 has not been clarified, and their early publications don't attribute the song to him.

Early publications include:

Songs of Praise, Scripture in Song Recordings Ltd, New Zealand, 1973
Sound of Living Waters, Hodder & Stoughton, England 1974
20th Century Folk Hymnal, volume 4, Kevin Mayhew Ltd, England, 1978

The folk-process means that there are some variations in the tune and words used, eg the1970's Scripture in Song recording phrases it "this is the day that the Lord hath made".

The song has been translated to many languages: The Easter theme and simple tune makes useful when people are asked to share a verse of a hymn in their own language, with a wider group. Versions found so far:

Polish: Oto jest dzień - video
Apache: Díí Jii Gozhóó - video
Spanish: Éste es el día - video
Russian: Etot den', etot den' / Этот день сотворил Господь 0 - video
Hebrew: Zeh haYom - video
French: Voici le jour - video
Fijian - Oqo na siga- video
Maori - Anei te rā -
Samoan - O le aso lenei - video

Do you know where to find a version in another language? Leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.

The Easter Song (My Lord He Died for a Kingdom)

2026-04-02T17:38:00.000-07:00

This is a joyous folk-style Easter hymn.

It was written by American Roman Catholic composer and Medical Mission Sister Miriam Therese Winter (b 1938). It was originally published in her 1966 recording "I Know the Secret", which was released by Avante Garde Records (ref).

Sheet music for the I Know the Secret collection can be purchased from the Medical Mission Sisters website, and copies are occasionally available on Amazon.

The tune has a 2/2 time signature. When it is set in the key of D, the first few notes are A A B A F E D B

Where Two or Three are Gathered (Here in the bread that is broken)

2026-04-02T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is a hymn about Eucharist and community. It is based on Matthew 18:20, "where two or three are gathered in my name", and is particularly suitable for the Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord's Supper - the fourth verse is specifically for this liturgy.

It was written by Irish Roman Catholic priest, song-writer and performer Liam Lawton (b 1959). The song was included in Lawton's 2009 album Healing Song, and copyright was registered by Somerset Recordings and GIA Publications, Inc.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Lawton, and arranged for publication by Paul Tate. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of Y, the first few notes are F FG A FE E_ D_

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