This is Frank Andersen’s, “Eagles Wings”, a beloved Australian classic, here arranged by John de Luca. I hadn’t noticed before that the verses are actually a paraphrase of Psalm 105, taken from Psalms Now by Leslie F. Brandt. Andersen’s antiphon is based on Exodus 9:4.
Godsongs found more YouTube clips than I did, and adds some background.
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart Store is currently down for maintenance, but is where you would usually go to purchase his music online.
Father Frank gave strict instructions that the assembly should only sing the refain of this song, never the verses, which is quite properly ignored. The verse order varies depending on the version of the sheet music you have – verse 5 sometimes is moved to verse 3.
I blogged this here with a perfectly reasonable backing for a change, but obviously I had another look at it, because de Luca has a knack of improving simple songs.
He resisted wholesale changed to more sophisticated chord options this time, merely replacing a C with an Am7 in the last line of the verse. He also retained most of the exclamation marks, so Father Frank would be pleased.
Compared to Erica Marshall’s original arrangement he has added a lot more movement in the bass. In my backing I co-opted some of his extra organ arrangement into a harp and celeste track (thank you Spitfire audio free plugins).
Antiphon:
I have carried you on eagle’s wings!
I will care for you in all your years!1 My heart is full of peace;
You have been within my life!
Your guiding hand has always covered me,
I am full of confidence in You! Antiphon2 My soul is like a child,
Cradled safe within your arms!
You have carried me across my years,
Leading me thru sorrow and thru joy. Antiphon3 Never need I be afraid!
No matter how uncertain things may be!
Sometimes thru me, sometimes in spite of me,
You seem to find your purpose in my life! Antiphon4 I know failure in my life
The weakness so central to my heart!
When I have strayed or fallen in my life
You gently set me on my feet again! Antiphon5 You have bridged the flowing streams!
And moved aside the mountains tall!
You have kept me through the stormy past,
I know that you secure and guide me still! Antiphon© 1979 Frank Andersen