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We Utter Our Cry

based on an poem by Fred Kaan

We utter our cry that peace may prevail,
That earth will survive and faith must not fail.
We pray with our hearts for the world in our care,
For people whose lives are filled with despair.

Whatever the ill or pressure we face,
Please hearten and heal with insight and grace
Everyone must help to lighten the load
Just reach out with kindness, reap the garden you've sowed.

Cry when in sorrow
Let the pain be released
Seeking hope for tomorrow
For the world to find peace
Keep the spirit alive there’s so much you can give
Make the world a better place by how you love and live.

We cry from the fright in the news every day
Of terrorist’s delight in their murderous ways
Forces of chaos, extinction of life,
All energy wasted on killing and strife.

We lift up our hearts for children unborn;
Give wisdom, O God, that we may hand on,
Replenished and nurtured this good planet Earth,
Preserving the future and wonder of birth.

Cry when in sorrow
Let the pain be released
Seeking hope for tomorrow
For the world to find peace
Keep the spirit alive there’s so much you can give
Make the world a better place by how you love and live.

written in 2015
© Richard Coffey - All Rights Reserved

Music, Lyrics, Vocals: Rich Coffey
Recorded at Mistura Productions

Comments:
This tune was based on an extraordinary poem by Fred Kaan that I found in the Methodist Hymnal. Written in 1983, his words send a timeless and powerful message about the sad state of our world.

My lyrics are obviously derived from but considerably re-written from the original version. In addition, I came up with the B section lyrics and added a positive call to action for the issues outlined in the verses.

Note: 2nd Verse, 2nd Line
Although it was sung as "God", agnostics can use the word "Please" instead. :-)

Link to the original lyrics:
We Utter Our Cry - Hymn Lyrics written by Fred Kaan (1983)

Music Details:
The melody and tune itself have nothing in common with the hymn version. Its a 12/8 shuffle and the pseudo Hammond B-3 in the arrangement keeps it bluesy.

Live Performances

Saturday, June 24th, 2017

  • I was contacted by the Unitarian Universalist Association for permission to have the song performed at the UAA General Assembly in New Orleans.
  • Details on the Service and Performance, Permission Request, Link to the Video, etc.

Sunday Oct 18th, 2015