Psalm For Change

This is a song I wrote first as a poem in India when I preached in Khasi Hills in 2014.  I posted this poem on Facebook and the International Office of the Unitarian Universalists Association picked it up.   Since then, it has been taught in many congregations during my time in the US. I first sang this in UU Sacramento, then in UU Urbana (Illinois), UU Corvalis, in UU Davis and in Starr King.  The UUA International Office mentions it here: 

You may listen to the song here: 
Worship Service at Champagne, Urbana, Illinois
at 16:30 on the timeline.
I sound very nervous there, but you'll get it. Cheers!

Psalm for Change

Em - Bm - C - G
What good is the holy if it doesn’t shine in you?
What good is life if we don't know how to live?
What good is dreaming if dreams don’t make us real?
Am D
What good is love if you don't forgive?

Em - Bm - C - G
Why look to heroes if only to doubt ourselves?
What good is faith if we don't bless?
What good is religion if there’s no room for doubt?
Am                             D
What good is truth if it only condemns.

C G D-Am
Let's know each other and be bold
C G D-Am
Let's work with the wonders we behold.                        
C    G Bm7  C
Let's live the love that we are called to live.
Am Am D
Be the change, be the change, and believe.

Em - Bm - C - G
What good is greatness if no one is a friend?
What good is justice if it’s only for a few?
What good is freedom when you can't be yourself?
Am                             D
What good is peace if it distorts the truth?

C G D-Am
Let's know each other and be bold
C G D-Am
Let's work with the wonders we behold.
C    G Bm7  C
Let's live the love that we are called to live.
Am Am D
Be the change, be the change, and believe.

Em - Bm - C - G
What good is striving if Mother Earth should die?
What good are journeys without hope?
What good is glory if love is sacrificed?
Am               D
What is correctness if you don't have soul?

C G D-Am
Let's know each other and be bold
C G D-Am
Let's work with the wonders we behold.
C    G Bm7  C
Let's live the love that we are called to live.
Am Am D
Be the change, be the change, and believe.  (Repeat)