This is a song by David Light that has odd time signatures in the chorus 4/4, 6/8, 4/4, 2/4 etc. The sample at AOV will give you the tricky timings. It is in AOV for Kids as well and I think its a bit tricky for kids and much too wordy.
Refrain
We are an Easter people, and alleluia is our song!
We are an Easter people, and alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
is our song!
Verse 1
Today is the day so long foretold
in the books of the prophecies of old,
that a Saviour who died would rise again
so that we who believe might rise with him!
Refrain
Verse 2
Today he has come to shed his light
on a people who wandered in endless night.
Now together we live in him and raise
a joyful sacrifice of praise.
Refrain
Verse 3
Today he has conquer’d death and sin,
and the powers of darkness cannot win
over any who give their lives to him!
Let us open our hearts and let Jesus in.
Refrain
Verse 4
Today he has opened up out eyes.
In the morning, he said, the Son would rise!
May we know in the breaking of the bread
the one who is risen from the dead.
Refrain
© David Light 1985.
Where is David Light?
We were talking about him last night and sharing fond memories of him.
How we were blessed to have him in North Bay for a short while.
If you get this message, David, just want you to know that we sing “Easter People” every Easter Sunday including tomorrow, March 27, 2016. And get this, at your old stomping grounds! Holy Name of Jesus Church!
Also would love to reach David Light as I would like to be able to use some of his music and can’t find it anywhere. We have many happy memories of the “Five O’Clock Shadows” (and the “Shadows of our Former Selves”) at St Anne’s in Brampton. David, if you read this, please contact me at the Halton Catholic District School Board.
While it is mentioned above that this could be too officially for kids, I remember this hymn as one of my favourite from my grade-school choir. I learned it when I was 9, and now at age 36 I try to bring it to the parishes and communities I heave served. I find it appropriate for all ages, and catchy enough for people to remember.
Looking to connect with David light, I am still saying mass with your father’s chalice from the KofC. I was listening to your May be One Dvd , born of the spirit and I wanted to reach out. I hope you and Sharon( I think that’s your wife’s name) and your daughter are doing well I pray and think of you often. Those years at holy family in bolton with the 12 string guitar were very special years. I am now in Nobleton at St Mary’s. Wishing you well!!!!!!!!!!!
God Bless
Fr. Bob Glynn
G’Day Father Bob, everyone’s looking for your friend David.
I was just looking (and not succeeding) for any recent traces of David Light on the internet when I came across an oddity.
There are repeated mentions of a famous quote from JP II, “We are an Easter people and alleluia is our song.” he said that in Adelaide in 1986:
https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/angelus/1986/documents/hf_jp-ii_ang_19861130.html
Other articles rightly note that he was quoting someone, St Augustine they guessed:
https://ewtn.co.uk/article-the-backstory-of-we-are-an-easter-people-and-alleluia-is-our-song/
https://aleteia.org/2022/04/20/who-really-said-we-are-an-easter-people-alleluia-is-our-song/
I strongly suspect that the Pope heard David’s song, written in 1985, while in Australia and it was David Light not St Augustine who created the quote that is now associated with Pope JPII.
cheers
Geoff