Without intent, a groundswell of popularity took place when students, seminarians, and women religious took stenciled mimeographed copies of their new music back to their communities where it became known as music by the "St. Louis Jesuits."
A Time Will Come for Singing
St. Louis Jesuits Lyrics
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When sorrow′s chains are broken, and broken hearts will mend.
The deaf will hear your singing when silent tongues are freed.
The lame will join your dancing when blind eyes learn to see.
A time will come for singing when trees will raise their boughs,
When men lay down their armor, and hammer their swords into plows,
When beggars live as princes, and orphans find their homes,
A time will come for singing a hymn by hearts foretold,
That kings have sought for ages, and treasured more than gold.
Its lyrics turn to silver when sung in harmony.
The Lord of Love will teach us to sing its melody.
The lyrics to "A Time Will Come for Singing" by St. Louis Jesuits speak to the hopeful and transformative power of music. The song describes a future time when all pain and suffering will be healed, and people will find joy and unity through singing and dancing.
The first verse suggests that this time of singing and healing will come once all tears have been shed and hearts have been mended. It speaks of the power of music to free silent tongues and enable the deaf to hear. The image of the lame joining in the dancing once blind eyes can see emphasizes the inclusive nature of this future time, where everyone will be able to fully participate in the joy of singing.
The second verse paints a picture of a harmonious world where nature and humanity are in harmony. The mention of trees raising their boughs suggests a sense of celebration and praise. It speaks of a time when violence and conflict will be replaced by peace and harmony, symbolized by men laying down their weapons and turning them into tools for cultivation. This future time is characterized by justice, where even the most disadvantaged, such as beggars and orphans, find their rightful place and home. The imagery of prison cells being emptied and hatred growing old signifies a collective liberation from societal and personal struggles.
The final verse describes the hymn that will be sung during this time. It is described as sought after by kings and treasured more than gold, signifying its divine and timeless nature. The lyrics are likened to silver, shining and precious, especially when sung together in harmony. The song suggests that the Lord of Love will be the one to teach us this melody, implying that it is through love and unity that the transformative power of music can be fully realized.
Overall, "A Time Will Come for Singing" offers a message of hope and the belief in a future where music becomes a vehicle for healing, unity, and transformation.
Line by Line Meaning
A time will come for singing when all your tears are shed
There will be a joyful moment in the future when all your sorrows and sadness will be comforted and resolved.
When sorrow's chains are broken, and broken hearts will mend
At that time, the heavy burdens of grief and pain will be released, and wounded hearts will find healing.
The deaf will hear your singing when silent tongues are freed
When people who have been unable to hear the beauty of your songs due to their own silence or lack of understanding are liberated, they will finally appreciate and listen to your music.
The lame will join your dancing when blind eyes learn to see
Those who have been physically or metaphorically unable to participate in your joyful dances due to physical limitations or lack of insight will be able to join in when they gain a new perspective and understanding.
A time will come for singing when trees will raise their boughs
There will be a future occasion when even nature itself will rejoice and celebrate, as indicated by the uplifting movement of the trees.
When men lay down their armor, and hammer their swords into plows
During this time, people will abandon their defensive and destructive ways, choosing to live in peace and cultivate fruitful endeavors instead.
When beggars live as princes, and orphans find their homes
In this glorious era, individuals who have been marginalized and deprived will experience great transformation and find themselves in positions of honor and security.
When prison cells are emptied, and hatred has grown old
Prisons will become vacant as forgiveness and love triumph, leading to the disintegration of long-held animosity and grudges.
A time will come for singing a hymn by hearts foretold
A moment will arrive when the song of joy and praise that has been predicted and anticipated by hearts will be sung with great fervor.
That kings have sought for ages, and treasured more than gold
This hymn, deeply desired by rulers throughout history, is regarded as more precious than any material wealth.
Its lyrics turn to silver when sung in harmony
When this hymn is sung in perfect unity and accord, its words take on an even greater and more precious beauty, akin to the gleaming of silver.
The Lord of Love will teach us to sing its melody
The divine embodiment of love will guide and instruct us in singing the enchanting melody of this hymn.
Writer(s): Schutte Daniel L.
Contributed by Elliot H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
ARACELI LOREDO
on Happy Is the Man
WHERE CAN i FIND THE MUSICAL SCORE OF THIS SONG?