This expressive melody by Pakistani composer R.F. Liberius invites us into communal grief and lament. The tune can be taught through call and echo, with hand motions providing direction, as well as invitation into the swoops and slides that are an essential part of the musical style. Listen to the recordings below for guidance in pronouncing the Urdu text.
The song can be used in many different contexts: during Advent or Lent, in interfaith or ecumenical worship gatherings, as well as in liturgies centered around themes of justice, peace, and reconciliation.
It can be sung unaccompanied or with a drone instrument (like a shruti box).
Urdu:
Khudaya rahem kar.
Masii haa rahem kar.
Khudaya rahem kar."
Singing Translation:
"Have mercy on us, Lord.
Have mercy on us, Christ.
Have mercy on us, Lord."
Copyright for the piece is held by GIA Publications, Inc. so you'll need a OneLicense membership to print the text or music.
Sheet music is published in the Iona Community's songbook Love and Anger, and it also appears in several songbooks and hymnals.
Here is a video of Scott Weidler teaching the song at our Music that Makes Community Presenters' Retreat at Holy Cross Monastery:
Here is a recording from Sing with the World: Global Songs for Children, compiled by John Bell and Alison Adam.