Kum ba Yah contemporary arrangement in English and African
by Unknown
Choir - Digital Sheet Music

Choral Choir (Mixed) - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.876878

Composed by Unknown. Arranged by Rhonda Bradley. Contemporary,Pop,Praise & Worship,Sacred,Spiritual. Octavo. 5 pages. Miss Rhonda’s Piano Music #2931459. Published by Miss Rhonda’s Piano Music (A0.876878).

Kum ba Yah Level 3 Intermediate Piano/Vocal
5 pages including cover
Music & lyrics arranged by Rhonda Bradley

Kum ba Yah is one of the greatest love songs every written for family, church, or community. Using this arrangement, you'll be able to revive it's meaning and bring it into the contemporary day.

This arrangement is in three parts and mixes English with African ("Come by Me" and "Kum ba Yah") with music that honors the original version but also rocks it up with some syncopation in part two. Also new is the addition of a final, slower, verse that includes the words "someone's grieving, friend."

Although this song can be used for any occasion, its' original intent is to honor the occasions when communities come together to grieve a mutual loss.

The song now has 3 different parts (sections). Here's how it's done:

PART ONE: Somewhat traditional music, to spark the memory of the original song. This section is written in English and replaces the words "Kum ba Yah" with "Come by Me" in order to avoid ignoring the important message of the song.

The words "my Lord" have been substituted with "my friend" in order to allow multi-denomination or even non-religious gatherings to honor the values of the song. These words can, of course, be replaced with "My Lord." (Please note: After purchasing, write to me & I'll be happy to provide you with a version whose lyrics include "My Lord instead of "My friend.")
Light arpeggios fill the harmony while the strong melody is left in tact. (full lyrics below)

PART TWO:

The music here is upbeat and includes syncopated, contemporary rhythms that could easily become pop/rock by adding a touch of guitar accompaniment (not included).

The lyrics are now using the tradition African "Kum ba Yah," and the verse lyrics are upbeat and happy. There are three different verses that revolve around the activities of singing, dancing, and praying (full lyrics below).

PART THREE:

Part three wraps up the song with a memorial lyric. Now that we've done our singing, dancing, and praying in section two, it's time to send our love to those who are grieving. Although not notated, the arranger suggests repeating the final line of the song 2 or 3 times.

The music in part 3 is solemn and reverent, using slow left-hand arpeggios to support the melody in a more serious tone.

Here are the lyrics:

SECTION ONE:
Come by here, my friend
Come by here
Come by here, my friend
Come by here
Come by here, my friend
Come by here
Come by here
Kum ba Yah

SECTION TWO:
Verse 1:
Someone's singing, friend
Kum ba Ya
Someone's singing, friend
Kum ba Ya
Someone's singing, friend
Kum ba Ya

Sing with me now and Kum ba Yah

Verses 2 & 3: same as #1 but replaces the word "singing" with "dancing" for verse two and "praying" for verse 3.

PART THREE: (sung much slower)
Someone's grieving friend
Take my hand
Someone's grieving friend
Take my hand
Someone's grieving, friend
Take my hand

Come by here
Kum ba Yah