A Shepherd I'll be to You

This is a song which uses some distinctly Australian phrases to deliver the Jesus' the Good Shepherd's message of concern for his flock.

It was written by Australian Roman Catholic priest Kevin Bates SM (-2024) in 1989 and copyright is now managed by Willow Publishing Pty. Ltd.

Sheet music, arranged by David Pudney, can be purchased for download from Willow Digital Publishing (link below).

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Bates. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are ... D DAAA A G F.

Downloads

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Buy sheet music from Willow On-line

Examples

Original recording, solo singer with guitar and backing instruments:

Duet with electronic keyboard - live recording in a church with difficult acoustics:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website.  A rough outline is:

Chorus:
A shepherd I’ll be to you I know your name,
I know the heart of your story.
A shepherd I’ll be, I hope you feel at home,
no matter how long since you saw me.

1  Some people think I’ve lost int’rest in them ...

2  And some people think that a shepherd’s no fun ...

3  And just while I’ve got your attention on me ....

See more ...

• Hymns about the Good Shepherd
• Australian hymns

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY
Chorus: A shepherd I’ll be to you I know your name, I know the heart of your story. A shepherd I’ll be, I hope you feel at home, no matter how long since you saw me. 1 Some people think I’ve lost int’rest in them, Just because they’ve got dust on their clothes, Or because on the track somewhere something was said That made them feel sheep without homes. 2 And some people think that a shepherd’s no fun, Just because the road sometimes gets narrow, But I love looking out just to find where you’ve been. What a joy when your face turns to home. 3 And just while I’ve got your attention on me, There are other sheep I need to find. Will you seek them and welcome wherever they be, ‘Cause I’m dyin’ with them on my mind.