The People That Walk In Darkness - Dufford

This  is a Christmas hymn.

It was written by American Roman Catholic priest and liturgical composer Robert J. (Bob) Dufford, SJ (b 1943), and included on the St Louis Jesuits album "Gentle Night: Music for Advent and Christmas".

 

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Dufford. This has a 2/4 time signature in the verse and 4/4 in the chorus. In the key of D, the first few notes are F B BB A_ FA D_ with accompanying chords Bm / Em / A / D / Bm.

Background from MaxPixel

Downloads

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Sheet music from OCP

Examples

Original recording:

Remastered version of the original recording ( = higher quality audio)

Singer and chorus, string-led accompaniment:

Lyrics

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

1   The people that walk in darkness ...

Chorus:
For a Child is born this day:
Rejoice, rejoice.
Daughter of Zion, awake.
The glory of God is born.

2  And they shall name Him counsellor ...

3   Darkness covers the earth ...

4   The people that walk in darkness ...

See more ...

• Hymns for Christmas

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY The people that walk in darkness
have seen, have seen a great light.
And on those who dwell in endless gloom,
a light has shone.

Chorus:
For a Child is born this day:
Rejoice, rejoice.
Daughter of Zion, awake.
The glory of God is born.

And they shall name Him counselor,
shall call Him mighty God.
And He shall rule from age to age:
Prince of Peace.

Darkness covers the earth;
thick clouds govern its people.
But the Lord will bring them light;
the Lord will bring them light.

The people that walk in darkness
have seen, have seen a great light.
And on those who dwell in endless gloom,
a light has shone.