#83 THE BEATITUDES

by Peter Kearney

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THE BEATITUDES
Of all my songs 'The Beatitudes' and 'Fill My House' are probably the most widely known and sung.

I wrote those two songs and others when I was nineteen, with the encouragement of Fr. Ted Kennedy, the Sydney University chaplain at that time. The songs were published in a music book (no recording) by J. Albert & Son, Sydney.

The timing was perfect as these were among the first 'folk-hymns' to be written and published in Australia. They spread through the land and then overseas quite quickly.

The title of the Albert's publication was 'Songs of Brotherhood', which goes to show the lack of awareness then, of the importance of using inclusive language. Also I have since changed one line in this song. Instead of "blessed are the clean of heart" I now sing "pure in heart".

From the early 1970s Ted Kennedy became priest at St. Vincent's Parish Redfern where he welcomed the many Aboriginal people who lived in that area. Ted and his ministry would become the inspiration for many of my later songs/ hymns.

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lyrics

THE BEATITUDES
Blessed are the poor in spirit
for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.
Blessed are the gentle
for they shall possess the land.

Blessed are they
that hunger and thirst after justice.
Blessed are they
that suffer gladly for justice sake.

Blessed are they that mourn
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the pure in heart
for they shall see God.

Blessed are you
when they revile and harm you
And speak all evil
against you untruly for my sake.

Blessed are the merciful
for mercy they will find.
Blessed are the peacemakers
for they shall be called God’s children.

Words adapted from Matthew 5: 3-12 and set to music by Peter Kearney

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credits

released September 3, 2021
RESOURCES AVAILABLE for 'THE BEATITUDES'
with links to Peter's online shop:

1. DOUBLE-CD: This song is one of 35 tracks on my double-CD 'Make Me a Song', which includes eight of the eleven songs from the original Where Is Your Song, my Lord? cassette tape. Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356147

2. CUSTOM-CD: This song is one of 12 tracks on the 'Where Is Your Song, my Lord? custom-CD, which contains all tracks heard on the original cassette tape. Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356152

3. SHEET MUSIC (pdf file) for 'The Beatitudes': Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/596105

4. CUSTOM CD-ROM: Melodies, chords, piano-accompaniments and lyrics for all eleven songs in the original 'Where Is Your Song, my Lord?' music book, which is now out of print: Link: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/554041

COPYRIGHT © 1966 BMG / Peter Kearney
This song is registered with ONE LICENSE, APRA and AMCOS.
Church and school licences through 'One License'.
E: info@onelicense.net

RECORDING
Arranged and produced by Peter Kearney.
Recorded, engineered and mixed by Penny Davies and Roger Ilott at Restless Recordings, Balmain
May-June 1985

SINGERS & MUSICIANS
Jan Arie: group vocals
Stephen Arie: group vocals
Linda Berry: flute, group vocals
Penny Davies: group vocals
Roger Ilott: bass, group vocals
Peter Kearney: lead vocal, guitar
Claire Parkhill: group vocals

TO SEE ALL SONGS posted so far visit: peterkearney.bandcamp.com

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about

Peter Kearney Mittagong, Australia

Peter Kearney is an Australian songwriter and singer. His early folk-hymns 'Fill My House' & 'The Beatitudes' are internationally known. He has written many other songs of justice and peace, songs for children, and a musical-narrative on St. Francis of Assisi. His published recordings include 153 original songs.

LINKS BELOW are for Peter's:
- Website
- Online store
- Facebook Artist Page. ... more

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