Just1 Conductor Hugh Gibbons says...
In 2010, I knew that many schools love to sing.  I wanted to have something in addition to the Promises that would be quick and easy to sing, with an uplifting end.  (NB I've only a primitive knowledge of music, and notation software...)  So I had a tune loitering in my mind, and the words came easily to mind.

 Pleasingly, a Glee Club leader - they were among the first to try it out as a warm up - said: "The Song is easy to learn and appealing - a mix of traditional and modern in the tune, with words that are suitable for anyone".

Well, one fan was a bishop who "sang it my bath, scaring the cat". And he was joined not only by UK schools.  The Song was taken up by all sorts of choruses and good sports, including the Girl Guides in the UK and Australia, The Church Army in New Zealand, Sing Up, the World Food Programme - and the British Antarctic Survey.

The updated Song has the same basic tune - though with a few dotted crotchets towards the end to add a bit of a jaunty feel.  And there are now are now four verses rather than five. As before, instrumental arrangements are available - see below.

And I've been conscious that some may lend themselves to a bit of action with hands and arms and feet and head.

NB1 As before, if you want to tinker around with anything, you're very welcome to do so.

NB2  If you ever create a video or other recording, do think about sending it in to Just1, so it can be shared far and wide.

For a PDF version, click here.

For the Powerpoint slideshow, click here. It's also got Our Promises on Poverty.

For a basic WAV version of the tune, click here.  It'll give you some idea of how the tune goes.

For everyone; or led by a soloist or instruments; or whatever suits – and is enjoyable.  Underlined=maybe actions; as in the picture

V1

Poverty we want to end and injustice too.

So we promise this together:
We’ll stand up for you.

You can count on us! We’re with you!

Hand in hand and side by side,

We’ll stand up for you.

V2

Hands on hearts and minds switched on

Using our eyes too

With our arms outheld so you’ll know
We’ll reach out for you.

You can count on us!  We’re with you.

North and south and east and west, Yes!

We’ll reach out for you.

V3

Ones and tens and hundreds, thousands -
We’re not just a few.

Count us in to raise a fuss as

We speak out for you.

You can count on us! Yes us too.

Here’s a vow we’re making now:

We’ll speak out for you.

V4

Poverty we want to end and injustice too.

So we promise this together:
We’ll take steps for you.

You can count on us! We’re with you!

Hand in hand and side by side,

We’ll take steps for you.

WE WILL!