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You have selected: Give To Us Laughter from the Ron Klusmeier Anthology. Subscribers may download arrangements using the links in the right hand column.
On this page you may view a Sample Image of the words and melody, and listen to an Audio Sample. Lyrics and Author/Composer Comments are below.
Click the arrow above to listen to a sample of this selection while following the melody line below. The audio sample is one verse played on piano by Ron Klusmeier.
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Lyrics:
Give to us laughter, O Source of our life.
Laughter can banish so much of our strife.
Laughter and love give us wholeness and health.
Laughter and love are the coin of true wealth.
Give to us laughter as sign of deep joy;
let us in laughing find Christian employ,
joining with stars and with bright northern lights,
laughing and praising and sharing delights.
Why do we worry that we will lose face?
Why act like king for the whole human race?
Often in family, and often with friend,
laughing at pride causes anguish to end.
Even in sorrow and hours of grief,
laughter with tears brings most healing relief.
God, give us laughter, and God, give us peace,
joys of your promise among us increase.
Author / Composer Comments
Keep it light; a ‘jazz-waltz’ lilt will add to the enjoyment of the singers (be they choir or congregation). It’s hard to sing this without moving, smiling, and… yes, actually laughing! Try laughing a 5th verse. Some may be more comfortable using ‘laugh-words’ on the melody, but those who can REALLY laugh should just cut loose!
The emotions which bring us laughter and tears are closely linked. “Give To Us Laughter” is frequently sung at funerals and memorial services as well as at times of joy.