I Would Be True | The Tabernacle Choir

This special video was premiered for audiences of “Love Thy Neighbor: A Special Tabernacle Choir Event” on Friday, July 15, 2022. During the event, audience members received a link to this video with an invitation to share its message with their neighbors. We encourage everyone viewing the video to do the same to make a difference in the world.

This is a new arrangement of “I Would Be True” by Mack Wilberg, music director of The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. Although the words are almost always sung to the hymn tune “PEEK,” at the 1997 funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, it was performed to the tune of “Londonderry Air,” a melody many recognize as “O Danny Boy.” Wilberg’s new arrangement uses the “Londonderry Air” tune.

The words to “I Would Be True” were penned by American Congregationalist minister and hymnwriter Howard A. Walter, and date from 1906. Walter sent this poem to his mother while he was teaching in Japan, and titled it “My Creed.” His mother submitted it to Harper’s Magazine for publication. Additional lyrics were added by David Warner, long-time collaborator of Mack Wilberg, specifically for this special “Love Thy Neighbor” event.

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;
I would be pure, for there are those who care;
I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;
I would be brave, for there is much to dare.
I would be friend of all, the foe, the friendless;
I would be giving and forget the gift;
I would be humble, for I know my weakness;
I would look up and laugh and love and lift.

I would be meek in bearing other’s burdens;
I would be soft toward sorrows not my own;
I would be swift to love and serve my neighbor;
I would be kind, for many weep alone.
I would be prayerful through each busy moment;
I would be constant in my touch with God;
I would be tuned to hear His slightest whisper,
I would have faith to keep the path Christ trod.


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