Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.
Kyrie I
Fernando Ortega Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Χριστέ (O Christ)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Χριστέ (O Christ)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Χριστέ (O Christ)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Χριστέ (O Christ)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
Κύριε (O Lord)
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
The lyrics to Fernando Ortega's song "Kyrie I" are a simple but powerful prayer. The Greek phrases used throughout the song are all various forms of the word "eleison," which means "have mercy." The first four lines repeat the Greek phrase "Kyrie eleison," which translates to "Lord, have mercy." The following section repeats the phrase "Christe eleison," meaning "Christ, have mercy." The final lines repeat the original "Kyrie eleison."
The song is a call for mercy and a recognition of our need for it. By repeating these phrases, the singer is able to fully immerse themselves in the meaning behind the words. The use of Greek adds a layer of depth and historical context, as the Kyrie eleison has been used in Christian liturgy for centuries. It is a reminder that our need for mercy transcends time and language, and that we are all in need of grace.
Overall, "Kyrie I" is a beautiful and meaningful prayer set to music. Its simplicity and repetition allow the listener to truly meditate on the message and connect with the words on a deep, emotional level.
Line by Line Meaning
Κύριε (O Lord)
In this song, the singer is calling upon the Lord, acknowledging His divine presence and seeking His mercy.
ἐλέησον (have mercy)
The plea for mercy is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the singer's sense of humility and need for God's grace.
Χριστέ (O Christ)
The singer now addresses Christ, asking for His mercy as well. This emphasizes Christ's role as the mediator between God and man.
Contributed by Luke W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Janice Bultman Bogott
on Into Your Presence
Is there anywhere I can get the sheet music for piano for this song? I just love it!!