Tú has venido a la orilla (You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore)

Hymn Information

First Line: Tú has venido a la orilla (You have come down to the lakeshore)
Author: Cesáreo Gabarain (1976)
Translator: Madeleine Forell Marshall (1988)
Tune Name: PESCADOR DE HOMBRES
Composer: Cesáreo Gabarain
Topic: Call to Discples · Jesus Christ: Friend · Jesus Christ: Miracles · Jesus Christ: Teachings of

Copyright Information

Text Copyright

Tune Copyright

Reprint/Projection Information

Words and Music: Permitted with a license from LicenSingOnline.org. If you do not own this license, please report and pay for your usage at their website or contact the copyright holder for permission.

Scripture References

Matthew 4:18-20
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Matthew 5:3-11
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Mark 1:16-20
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Luke 5:1-11
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Luke 5:4-11
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John 10:16
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John 10:27
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John 21

Further Reflections on Scripture References

This song personalizes Jesus’ calling of Peter, Andrew, and the other disciples. We are reminded that God calls us where we are and as we are; that God will use what we have (even our “exhaustion”), so long as we are willing to follow. The text addresses God throughout; the refrain is dramatic and intimate at the same time, marveling that God calls each one of our names.

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Tú has venido a la orilla (You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore)

Tune Information

Name: PESCADOR DE HOMBRES
Key: D Major
Meter: 8.10.10 refrain 9.9.11.9

Musical Suggestion

This simple Spanish song of dedication should be led in an equally simple fashion. A finger-picked nylon string guitar is the most appropriate accompaniment. Vocal harmonies at the refrain sound lovely—simply sing the notes shown in the right hand of the piano accompaniment.

— Greg Scheer

Consider the following suggestion for use with children:

This is a great song for kids to learn—and if you are fortunate to have Spanish speaking students, let them teach the Spanish version.
Use small shakers for soft rhythm.

— Diane Dykgraaf

The personal nature of this folk song requires a simple accompaniment. An arpegiated guitar is most appropriate, though piano would work too. Avoid anything but the simplest percussion (a shaker egg) to keep the tempo. Sing in unison, or add the parallel thirds and sixths common to this style of music.

— Sing! A New Creation

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Tú has venido a la orilla (You Have Come Down to the Lakeshore)

Hymn Story/Background

This popular song was composed by the Spanish priest Cesáreo Gabaraín in 1979, after he visited the Sea of Galilee. Translated into over eighty languages, it was part of a revival of religious song in Spain in the late 1970s. Gabarain was known for his work in the liturgical renewal movement and also for his ministry among youth.

— Sing! A New Creation

Cesáreo Gabaraín, a Spanish priest involved in liturgical renewal following Vatican II, composed this hymn after a trip to Israel. Reminding us of Jesus’ calling of his disciples in the stanzas, the refrain invites our similar response of following Jesus in the church’s ministry today. This hymn has been translated into many languages.

— Bert Polman

Author and Composer Information

Cesáreo Gabaraín (b. Ernani, Spain, May 16, 1936; d. Anzuola, Spain, April 30, 1991) was one of the best-known composers of Spanish liturgical music. He was inspired by the feelings and actions of the humble people he met during his ministry. Cesáreo's songs, including the well-known "Pescador De Hombres," capture the deepest emotions of the human spirit.

— OCP (http://www.ocp.org/)