Pues si vivimos

There’s scarce little on the Internet about this song and much of what is there is conflicting. Some sources cite an author, some not. Some a composer, some not. Only one site had the lyrics but I didn’t feel comfortable linking to it. Some list 2 verses, some 4; the New Century Hymnal has only 2 with the first in both Spanish and English.

Since, the ownership of the song is in doubt I don’t feel comfortable citing the lyrics myself. So…just enjoy it and sing along if you have the New Century Hymnal, #499, or the United Methodist Hymnal, #346 or Mil Voces Para Celebrar, #337.

The footnote in the New Century Hymnal says, “This anonymous Mexican folk hymn was transcribed by hymnologist Gertrude Suppe after she first heard it sung by two church women visiting California from Mexico. It was published in Celebremos II (1983).” And it gives the following information for the tune: “PUES SI VIVIMOS, Anon; arr. B.C.M. 1988.”

Just a reminder that the complete collection of these hymn recordings is available for free listening (streaming) at https://soundcloud.com/hilton-kean-jones/sets/hymns-at-lakewood. When each new recording is posted on the church website, it is also added to this album.

Author: Hilton Kean Jones

Composer and performer, retired college music professor, lyricist. View all posts by Hilton Kean Jones