The Servant Song Lyrics PDF: A Comprehensive Guide
The Servant Song lyrics, readily available as a PDF file, offer a powerful message of Christian service and humility.
Numerous online sources provide free downloads, alongside sheet music and arrangements.
This guide explores accessing the lyrics in PDF format, understanding the song’s core themes, and its musical context within worship settings.
Origins and Authorship
The Servant Song emerged from a collaborative effort, blending the musical talent of Richard Gillard with the lyrical depth of Donna Marie McGargill, OSM.
Gillard initially composed the music in 1977, with subsequent alterations, while McGargill penned the poignant lyrics in 1984.
This powerful hymn reflects a deep spiritual understanding of service and selflessness, resonating with Christian communities worldwide.
The song’s creation wasn’t a solitary endeavor; Craig S. Kingsbury contributed keyboard accompaniment, enriching the musical texture.
Crucially, the complete work – both lyrics and music – is copyrighted by OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), securing its intellectual property rights.
This copyright ensures proper attribution and control over its distribution, including PDF versions readily found online.
The song’s origins are firmly rooted in a desire to express a Christ-centered life of humble service.
Richard Gillard: The Composer
Richard Gillard is the creative force behind the music of The Servant Song, initially composing the melody in 1977. While the lyrics were later added by Donna Marie McGargill, Gillard’s foundational work established the song’s emotive character.
His composition skillfully supports the lyrical themes of humility and service, creating a deeply moving experience for both performers and listeners. The melody’s simplicity enhances its accessibility, making it a favorite in church services and worship settings.
Although details about Gillard’s broader musical career are less readily available, his contribution to The Servant Song remains significant. The song’s enduring popularity, often distributed as a PDF for convenient access, is a testament to his musical talent. His work continues to inspire countless individuals to embrace a life of selfless service, mirroring Christ’s example.
Donna Marie McGargill: The Lyricist
Donna Marie McGargill, OSM, born in 1944, is the gifted author of the poignant lyrics to The Servant Song. She crafted the words in 1984, building upon Richard Gillard’s existing musical composition to create a powerful hymn centered on Christian service and reciprocal humility.
As a member of the Order of Saint Mary (OSM), McGargill’s faith deeply informs her writing. The lyrics beautifully articulate the desire to serve others as Christ served, and to allow others to serve us. These themes resonate profoundly with worshippers seeking a deeper connection to their faith.
The song, frequently found as a PDF download for ease of use, showcases McGargill’s ability to convey complex spiritual concepts with clarity and grace. Her contribution is essential to the song’s enduring impact, inspiring generations to embody a servant’s heart.
OCP (Oregon Catholic Press) and Copyright
The Servant Song is published and copyrighted by Oregon Catholic Press (OCP), a leading publisher of Catholic music and liturgical resources. The copyright for both the lyrics and music was established in 1984, recognizing the creative contributions of Donna Marie McGargill and Richard Gillard.

OCP holds the rights to reproduce and distribute the song, including providing official PDF versions of the lyrics and sheet music. When seeking to use The Servant Song in any public setting, such as church services or concerts, it’s crucial to adhere to OCP’s licensing requirements.
While numerous websites offer free PDF downloads, these may not always be legally compliant. Supporting OCP through proper licensing ensures continued creation and availability of quality liturgical music for communities worldwide. Respecting copyright protects the artists and the integrity of their work.

Understanding the Lyrics
The Servant Song’s lyrics powerfully convey themes of selfless service, humility, and reciprocal love, inviting listeners to embrace a Christ-like attitude in their daily lives.
Core Themes of Service and Humility

The Servant Song deeply resonates with the Christian call to service, mirroring Jesus Christ’s example of humility and selfless love. The lyrics consistently emphasize a willingness to meet the needs of others, offering oneself as an instrument of God’s grace.

Central to the song is the idea of reciprocal service – not merely offering help, but also being open to receiving service from others, recognizing shared human vulnerability and dependence on God. This isn’t about grand gestures, but a quiet, consistent offering of oneself.
The repeated question, “Will you let me be your servant?” isn’t a plea for power, but an invitation to connection and mutual support. It’s a recognition that true spiritual growth comes through serving and being served, embodying Christ’s love in practical ways. The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity, making its profound message accessible to all.
Ultimately, the lyrics challenge listeners to examine their own hearts and ask if they are truly willing to embrace a life of humble service.
Verse 1: The Initial Offering
The opening verse of The Servant Song immediately establishes the core theme: a direct and heartfelt offer of service. “Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?” This isn’t a passive question, but an active proposition, a willingness to embody Christ’s compassion and care for another.
The lyric’s simplicity is striking. It’s a direct appeal, devoid of complex theological language, making it universally relatable. The phrase “as Christ to you” is pivotal, grounding the offer of service in the ultimate example of selfless love. It suggests a desire to reflect Christ’s character in one’s interactions.
This initial offering sets the stage for the entire song, establishing a tone of humility and availability. It’s a vulnerable request, acknowledging the need for grace to truly serve others effectively. The verse’s power lies in its directness and its immediate connection to the listener’s own capacity for compassion.
It’s an invitation to participate in a sacred exchange of love and service.
Verse 2: Responding to Need
The second verse of The Servant Song shifts the focus outward, acknowledging the presence of suffering and need in the world. “I hear you calling my name, Lord; I hear you calling my name.” This isn’t merely hearing a vocal summons, but recognizing the silent cries of those in distress – a spiritual attunement to human suffering.
The lyric emphasizes a responsive action: hearing the call and being moved to act. It’s a recognition that service isn’t about waiting for requests, but proactively seeking out opportunities to alleviate pain and offer support. The repetition of “I hear you calling my name” underscores the urgency and personal responsibility inherent in responding to need.
This verse builds upon the initial offering, transforming it from a general willingness to serve into a specific commitment to those who are hurting. It’s a call to empathy and a reminder that Christ calls us to be present with those who are suffering, offering comfort and aid.
It’s a verse about active listening and compassionate action.
Verse 3: Acknowledging Personal Weakness
The third verse of The Servant Song introduces a crucial element of humility: acknowledging one’s own inadequacy. “A broken spirit, a contrite heart, Lord, these are the offerings I bring.” This isn’t a presentation of strength or capability, but a raw confession of personal weakness and dependence on divine grace;
The lyrics highlight that true service doesn’t stem from self-sufficiency, but from recognizing our limitations and offering what little we have – a “broken spirit” and a “contrite heart.” This vulnerability is presented not as a hindrance to service, but as its very foundation. It’s a recognition that we cannot serve effectively without acknowledging our need for God’s strength and guidance.
This verse is a powerful counterpoint to the cultural emphasis on self-reliance. It suggests that genuine service arises from a place of humility, where we are willing to admit our imperfections and rely on God’s power to work through us. It’s a verse about honest self-assessment and surrender.
It’s a verse about recognizing our need for divine assistance.
Verse 4: The Reciprocal Nature of Service
The fourth verse of The Servant Song beautifully illustrates the reciprocal nature of selfless giving. The lyrics ask, “Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you?” This isn’t merely a one-way offering of service, but an invitation to a mutual exchange – a willingness to receive service from others as well.
This verse emphasizes that allowing others to serve us is just as important as serving them. It reflects the humility of Christ, who both served and allowed himself to be served. It challenges the notion that true service is solely about giving, and highlights the grace in receiving help and allowing others to express their love and care.
The verse subtly suggests that by allowing others to serve us, we create space for them to experience the joy and fulfillment of giving. It’s a cycle of mutual service, mirroring the relationship between Christ and his followers. It’s a profound understanding of interconnectedness and shared humanity.
It’s a verse about the beauty of giving and receiving.
Verse 5: Embracing Christ-like Service
The final verse of The Servant Song serves as a powerful culmination, directly linking the act of service to emulating Christ’s example. The lyrics implore, “Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too,” revealing a desire to not only offer service but to accept it with humility, mirroring Christ’s willingness to receive.
This verse isn’t simply about performing acts of kindness; it’s about a transformation of the heart. It’s a prayer for the grace to embody Christ’s selfless love in all interactions, recognizing the inherent dignity in both giving and receiving. It’s a call to move beyond obligation and embrace service as a spiritual practice.
The plea for grace acknowledges the difficulty of truly selfless service, recognizing that it requires a surrender of ego and a reliance on divine assistance. It’s a humble admission of human weakness and a hopeful aspiration to reflect Christ’s unwavering compassion. It’s a beautiful ending.
It’s a verse about the ultimate goal of Christian living.

Accessing the Servant Song Lyrics in PDF Format
PDF lyrics are easily found through OCP (Oregon Catholic Press) resources and various free online sources.
Song sheets for musical arrangements are also available for download.
Official OCP Resources
OCP, or Oregon Catholic Press, holds the copyright to “The Servant Song,” making their website the primary and most reliable source for official PDF lyrics. Accessing the song through OCP ensures you have an accurate and legally obtained version of the text, supporting the composer and lyricist’s work.
While a direct, free PDF download isn’t always immediately available on their main site, OCP offers the song within their digital hymnal subscriptions and licensing options for churches. These subscriptions provide access to a vast library of liturgical music, including “The Servant Song,” in various formats suitable for projection or printing.
Furthermore, OCP’s website provides information regarding licensing requirements for public performance, ensuring compliance with copyright laws when using the song in worship services. Purchasing sheet music or licensing through OCP also supports their continued efforts in publishing and promoting quality liturgical music for the Catholic community. Checking their catalog directly is the best way to find the most up-to-date and authorized resources.
Free PDF Downloads from Various Sources
Numerous websites offer free PDF downloads of “The Servant Song” lyrics, catering to individuals and church groups seeking readily accessible resources. A simple online search reveals several options, often hosted on church websites, personal blogs, or online hymn repositories. However, users should exercise caution when downloading from unofficial sources to ensure the accuracy of the lyrics and avoid potential copyright infringements.
Many of these PDFs are user-submitted or scanned copies of older hymnals, potentially containing minor variations or formatting issues. While convenient, verifying the lyrics against a trusted source like OCP is recommended. Websites dedicated to providing song lyrics and chords frequently include “The Servant Song” in their databases, offering both text and accompanying musical arrangements.
It’s crucial to remember that while these free downloads are widely available, respecting copyright remains important. Utilizing these resources for personal use is generally acceptable, but distributing them further or using them for commercial purposes without proper licensing is prohibited.
Song Sheet Availability for Musical Arrangements

Beyond the standard lyrics PDF, song sheets containing musical arrangements for “The Servant Song” are frequently available, particularly for piano and guitar. These sheets cater to musicians wishing to perform the song in various settings, offering simplified or more complex arrangements depending on skill level. Resources like online music stores and dedicated sheet music websites often stock arrangements, sometimes including vocal harmonies and instrumental parts.

The provided information indicates a song sheet existed for a specific service on July 18, 2021 (Disk 36, Track 1), showcasing its use in contemporary worship. These sheets often include chord symbols, melody lines, and sometimes simplified piano accompaniments. Searching online using terms like “Servant Song sheet music” or “Servant Song piano chords” yields numerous results.
However, be mindful of copyright restrictions when obtaining and using these arrangements. Purchasing licensed sheet music supports the composer and lyricist, ensuring continued creation of valuable musical resources. Free versions may be available, but verifying their legality and accuracy is essential.

Musical Aspects of the Song
The Servant Song is typically performed in the key of E, with a moderate tempo suitable for congregational singing. Piano arrangements and sheet music are widely accessible.
Key and Tempo
The Servant Song is commonly performed in the key of E major, offering a bright and accessible tonal quality for both vocalists and instrumentalists. However, arrangements may vary slightly depending on the specific vocal range of the choir or soloist. The tempo is generally moderate, falling around 68-76 beats per minute, fostering a reflective and prayerful atmosphere conducive to worship.
This tempo allows for clear enunciation of the lyrics and encourages congregational participation. The song’s structure lends itself well to a gentle, flowing rhythm, emphasizing the themes of service and humility. Musicians often adapt the tempo slightly to suit the specific context of the service or the preferences of the music leader. Sheet music typically indicates the suggested tempo, but flexibility is encouraged to enhance the overall worship experience. The key and tempo contribute significantly to the song’s emotional impact and its ability to resonate with listeners.

Piano Arrangements and Sheet Music
Piano arrangements for The Servant Song are widely available, ranging from simple accompaniment to more elaborate arrangements suitable for skilled pianists. Sheet music can be sourced from OCP (Oregon Catholic Press), the copyright holder, as well as various online music retailers. Many arrangements feature a straightforward chord progression in E major, making it accessible for intermediate players.
The provided snippets indicate piano sheet music exists with notation for the verses. These arrangements often include a simple melody line and basic chord symbols, allowing for improvisation and personalization. More complex arrangements may incorporate arpeggios, countermelodies, and dynamic variations to enhance the song’s emotional impact. Finding a suitable arrangement depends on the pianist’s skill level and the desired style of performance. Numerous free resources also offer simplified piano arrangements for beginner pianists, facilitating wider participation in worship.
Hymn Number in “Glory to God Hymnal” (Hymn 727)
The Servant Song is officially recognized as Hymn 727 within the “Glory to God” hymnal, a widely used resource in many Christian denominations. This placement signifies its importance and frequent use in liturgical settings. The hymnal provides the complete lyrics, allowing congregations to participate fully in the song’s message of service and humility.
Being included in “Glory to God” ensures a standardized version of the lyrics and music is readily available to churches and worship leaders. This facilitates consistent worship experiences across different communities. The hymn number allows musicians to quickly locate the song for services and rehearsals. Accessing the lyrics in PDF format can be a convenient supplement, especially for personal study or creating custom song sheets. However, the hymnal remains the authoritative source for the official arrangement and text.
Use in Church Services and Worship
The Servant Song is frequently incorporated into church services and worship due to its profoundly moving lyrics centered on selfless service and mirroring Christ’s example. Its themes resonate deeply with Christian values, making it ideal for moments of reflection, communion preparation, or as a call to discipleship.
The song’s gentle melody and accessible arrangement lend themselves well to various musical settings, from simple piano accompaniment to full choir performances. Many churches utilize PDF versions of the lyrics for projection during worship, simplifying participation for the congregation. It’s often used during services focused on social justice, outreach programs, or emphasizing the importance of serving others within the community. The song’s message encourages believers to actively embody Christ’s love through acts of kindness and compassion, fostering a spirit of humility and dedication to others.
















































































