Holy Now
Hymn composed by
Peter MayerContextual information
Peter Mayer wrote “Holy Now” in 1998, inspired by his experience of growing up Catholic and learning about the idea of holiness at a young age. Certain objects and words were considered ”holy” in that tradition, and he would often feel a sense of wonder in their presence. As he grew older, he began to feel that same sense of magic at the very fact of existence itself, and the profound miracles of everyday life.
Peter Mayer wrote “Holy Now” in 1998, inspired by his experience of growing up Catholic and learning about the idea of holiness at a young age. Certain objects and words were considered ”holy” in that tradition, and he would often feel a sense of wonder in their presence. As he grew older, he began to feel that same sense of magic at the very fact of existence itself, and the profound miracles of everyday life.
Tune Name
[Holy Now]
Tune Name
Text Meter
Irregular
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
Peter MayerHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
Peter Mayer (he/him) is a UU and a full-time singer/songwriter who performs in acoustic music venues and churches around the country. He has released eleven albums and numerous singles as well. He lives in Stillwater, MN with his wife and two daughters.
Lyricist Background information
Peter Mayer (he/him) is a full-time singer/songwriter and a UU who travels and performs in acoustic venues and churches across the United States. He has released 11 albums of his work, and many singles as well. He lives in Stillwater, MNN with his wife and two daughters.
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
When I was a boy, each week,
on Sunday we would go to church
and pay attention to the priest,
and he would read the holy word.
And consecrate the holy bread,
and everyone would kneel and bow.
Today, the only difference is
everything is holy now.
Everything, everything, everything is holy, now.
When I was in Sunday school
we would learn about the time
Moses split the sea in two,
and Jesus made the water wine.
And I remember feeling sad,
miracles don't happen still.
But, now I can't keep track,
'cause everything's a miracle.
Everything's a miracle.
Wine from water is not so small.
But an even better magic trick
is that anything is here at all.
So, the challenging thing becomes
not to look for miracles,
but, finding where there isn't one.
When holy water wasn't rare, at best,
it barely wet my finger tips.
But, now, I have to hold my breath,
like I'm swimmin' in a sea of it.
It used to be a world half there,
heaven's second rate hand me down.
But I walk it with a reverent air,
'cause everything is holy, now.
Read a questioning child's face
and say it's not a testament.
That'd be very hard to say.
See another new morning come
and say it's not a sacrament.
I tell ya that it can't be done.
This morning outside, I stood.
I saw a little redwing bird,
shining like a burning bush,
and singing like a scripture verse.
It made me wanna bow my head.
I remember when church let out.
How things have changed since then,
everything is holy now.
It used to be a world half there,
heaven's second rate hand me downs.
But I walk it with a reverent air,
'cause everything is holy, now.
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files