Like a Shepherd - Dufford

This hymn about Jesus the Good Shepherd was written by American Roman Catholic liturgical composer Robert J. (Bob) Dufford, SJ (b 1943).

It was first published in 1976 by North American Liturgy Resources, and has since appeared in a number of hymnals published in both the USA and UK, and subsequent collections from both Dufford and others.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Dufford. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of Eb, the first few notes are B_ B BAG E_ C, B, with accompanying chords Eb / Ab / Bb

Downloads

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Octavo sheet music from OCP - includes full score and lead-sheet

Downloadable digital sheet music for voice and piano; 3 pages

Examples

Singer, acapella:

Original recording, remastered:

Singer,self-accompanied on piano:

Church choir with piano and flute:

Church choir with piano and congregation:

Lyrics

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

Chorus:
Like a shepherd He feeds his flock and gathers the lambs in His arms,
Holding them carefully close to His heart, leading them home.

1 Say to the cities of Judah ...

2 I myself will shepherd them ...

3 Come unto me, if you are heavily burdened ...