Saturday Song: Canticle of the Turning

On weekdays during the season of Lent, we post daily meditations on our website, and on Saturdays we include a piece of music, as well. These songs are submitted by parish family members and friends of Christ Church, and meant to uplift, comfort, and inspire. We hope that you enjoy.

Canticle of the Turning

based on Luke 1:46-58 (Mary’s Song)

The lyrics were written by Rory Cooney and based on the Song of Mary (Magnificat). Rory also has some reflections on his composition on his blog.

My soul cries out with a joyful shout that the God of my hear is great

And my spirit sings of the wondrous things that you bring to the ones who wait.

You fixed your sight on your servant’s plight and my weakness you did not spurn,

So from east to west shall my name be blest – could the world be about to turn?

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring

Let the fires of your justice burn

Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near

And the world is about to turn!

Though I am small, my God, my all, you work great things in me

And your mercy will last from the depths of the past to the end of the age to be.

Your very name puts the proud to shame and to those who would for you yearn

You will show your might, put the strong to flight – for the world is about to turn.

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring

Let the fires of your justice burn

Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near

And the world is about to turn!

From the halls of power to the fortress tower not a stone will be left on stone.

Let the king beware for your justice tears every tyrant from his throne.

The hungry poor shall weep no more for the food they can never earn,

There are tables spread, every mouth be fed – for the world is about to turn.

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring

Let the fires of your justice burn

Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near

And the world is about to turn!

Though the nations rage from age to age we remember who holds us fast.

God’s mercy must deliver us from the conqueror’s crushing grasp.

This saving grace that our forebears heard is the promise which holds us bound

‘Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God – who is turning the world around.

Refrain: My heart shall sing of the day you bring

Let the fires of your justice burn

Wipe away all tears for the dawn draws near

And the world is about to turn!