This is described here as a “Negro Spiritual”, as arranged by Sister Luanne Durst, but then then the hymnal says it is from The Australian Hymn Book where it is noted to be arranged by Charles Cleal.
I’m not sure we should be singing spirituals in Australia. Maybe if your pianist can handle the style and the assembly sings it well enough, it’s OK, but syncopation frequently defeats us and for most of us it isn’t our culture.
Interestingly the AHB suggests “other verses may be suggested by the congregation.” I can just imagine the spirit taking a Catholic parishioner who then starts extemporising mid song.
My backing is more 12/8 than 4/4.
1 Let us break bread together with the Lord!
Let us break bread together with the Lord!Refrain:
As we travel through this land,
all God’s children hand in hand,
Lord, fill all our living with your life.2 Let us drink wine together with the Lord!
Let us drink wine together with the Lord!3 Let us sing songs together with the Lord!
Let us sing songs together with the Lord!4 Let us all work together for the Lord!
Let us all work together for the Lord!
These would seem to be the more common lyrics:
- Let us break bread together on our knees.
Let us break bread together on our knees.
Refrain:
When I fall on my knees with my face to the rising sun,
O Lord, have mercy on me.- Let us drink the cup together on our knees.
Let us drink the cup together on our knees.- Let us praise God together on our knees.
Let us praise God together on our knees.