Kum Ba Yah is an African-American spiritual, most likely dating back to the eighteenth or nineteenth century. The first known recording of it dates back to 1926, and was a pretty upbeat version of the song that, since then, has become a more prayerful meditation. The phrase “kum ba yah” is a linguistic variation of “come by here”, a plea for God to be near to provide comfort and hope. Our arrangement for two octaves of handbells is suitable for a quiet moment in your church service.
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah;
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah;
Kum ba yah, my Lord, kum ba yah;
O Lord, kum ba yah.
Someone’s singin’, my Lord, kum ba yah…
Someone’s cryin’, my Lord, kum ba yah…
Someone’s prayin’, my Lord, kum by yah…
Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.
