A singer at our church faced with weeks with an absence of musicians, has occasionally used the MyMIDI program and MIDI files to lead the singing at mass. She tells me it is much better if someone else presses the buttons and I agree, it takes at least two to use backings without getting frazelled – one singing and one wrangling technology.
I supply her with backings, so when she asked for this song last year, I had to make one because I’ve never blogged it.
“Receive the Power” was written for WYDSYD 2008. Some of my children attended and did not enjoy it at all, which may have soured me for this song and have some recollection of trying to sing it at church at the time and not liking it. It was written by Guy Sebastian and Gary Pinto and perhaps after all this time I should give it another go. I’m sure it was a better time for many people and the song will have positive resonances for many.
We played it at a Lent planning meeting the other night looking forward to Pentecost and one of our number fixed it’s major problem by playing it in Eb instead of C but then down the octave – ie capo 3 for lazy guitarists. This song was written for performance by a skilled singer – Guy Sebastian – not for an assembly unless the key is ratcheted down an awful lot.
Mary at Godsongs has more background.
The sheet music is here.
I made a backing using simple BIAB midi sounds to make the MIDI file (here made into an MP3). I reduced the lengthy introduction.
… and one the usual way with a more recent BIAB style using real tracks.
1 Every nation, every tribe,
come together to worship You.
In Your presence we delight,
we will follow to the ends of the earth.Chorus
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power, from the Holy Spirit!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Receive the Power to be a light unto the world!
2 As Your Spirit calls to rise
we will answer and do Your Will.
We’ll forever testify
of Your mercy and unfailing love.Chorus
Bridge
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we worship You.
Lamb of God, we worship You,
Holy One, we worship You,
Bread of Life, we worship You,
Emmanuel, we will sing forever.Chorus