Since Pentecost (Shavuos) is June 2nd of this year, I thought this an appropriate month to first publish this song. Although I have arranged it throughout for four voices, it is perhaps best sung as a solo with accompanying voices only in the chorus. Each of the verses may be split into two, thus giving the song six verses with chorus after each, but I prefer that it be sung as written. The verse is based on Acts 2, and the chorus is verse 38 of that chapter.
[Piano version of music] [Vocal sound file] [Score of song]
Now there was a man a long time ago who talked to some folks about Jesus.
And those who were there on that Pentecost said, "Tell me, now where does that leave us?"
But most of the crowd who heard Peter speak his message rejected, don't you see;
But some men were pricked and softened their hearts, a few men, in thousands a mere three.
Chorus: And Peter said: Repent then and be immersed. Ev'ry one of you do it,
And your sins will be dispersed, the Spirit be added to it.
Well, Peter still speaks to people today; you'll hear him. The gospel's him speaking.
Yet you will go on and walk in the path that on you its havoc is wreaking.
We people go on to choose our own way, just like that old crowd who heard Peter.
We are what we are, and will be some more: the gossip, the liar, the cheater.
Chorus: Still Peter says: Repent then and be immersed. Ev'ry one of you do it,
And your sins will be dispersed, the Spirit be added to it.
But there will be some who listen to him; the one, or the two, or five hundred,
Who know that their life is burdened with sin, Who see how through life they have blundered.
Some people will ask, like others before, the question their heart has been bringing:
"What then must we do salvation to know?" The question down through ages ringing.
Chorus: And Peter says: Repent then and be immersed. Ev'ry one of you do it,
And your sins will be dispersed, the Spirit be added to it.