Rev. Laura Rose was inspired to rewrite more verses to go with the tune of the Carol, Do You Hear What I Hear?
She writes: “If Mary of Nazareth cried out her Magnificat today she would not be belting out her aria at Davies Symphony Hall or Grace Cathedral. She would be among the throngs of migrants weeping at our border seeking a safe refuge. This is dedicated to the holy families seeking refuge at our border and the prophets standing in solidarity with them.”
DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?
Said the Spirit voice to the migrant girl
Do you know what I know?
Blessed are you, migrant girl
Do you know what I know?
This child, this child
Forming inside you
Will grow up and make all things new
Will grow up and make all things new
_______________
Said the migrant girl to the mighty king
Do you hear what I hear?
Near your border wall mighty king
Do you hear what I hear?
My child, my child
Crying in the night
He will bring injustice to light
He will bring injustice to light
_________________
Said the prophet to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
Near your border walls, everywhere
Listen to what I say
This one, this one
Left out in the cold
Will you welcome her into your fold?
Will you welcome him into your fold?
___________________
Said the mighty voice of the people everywhere
Listen to what we say!
No more border walls. anywhere!
Listen to what we say!
One voice, one voice
Crying for what’s right
Let us bring injustice to light
Let us bring injustice to light
_____________________
Original Lyrics by Noel Regney and Music by Gloria Shayne Baker. The composers were inspired by the faces of children in strollers on the NYC subway as the threat of nuclear war loomed during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Today I see the faces of those who have been forced to flee their countries: their lives under threat because of rampant violence, poverty and political corruption; their voices now crying out for justice (and refuge) at our border and in our detention halls.
© 2018 Lyrics Rewritten by Laura Rose
If you would like to here it sung by Rev. Jonathan Leavy, go here.
Gifts in Open Hands 