Father Forgive Them (Father Forgive Us) - SATB & Piano - licensed for 10 copies

Father Forgive Them (Father Forgive Us) - SATB Choir with Piano accompaniment - by Hugh Levey and Blair H. Smith

Father Forgive Them (Father Forgive Us) is a collaboration between composer and arranger Hugh Levey and poet Blair H. Smith. It is an anthem suitable for both worship and concert settings, particularly at Easter (Good Friday). The text takes its inspiration from two Biblical passages:

Father forgive them, for they know now what they do. - Luke 23:34

Stand in awe and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. - Psalm 4:4

“Father, forgive them” was the first of the Seven Last Words of Christ from the Cross. This text considers the mercy shown by Christ in these words, at His hour of distress. They prompt a reflection on our own past actions and their implications. If even those who crucified Him were forgiven, there is hope for us all. In the last verse, “them” in “Father Forgive Them” refers to our sins. The contemplative music reflects this sense of sadness and distress, with moments of forgiveness and hope.

The vocal parts have mostly stepwise movement with straightforward intervals and some suspensions, so it should be within the capabilities of most SATB choirs. It starts with unaccompanied basses singing “Father forgive them” as a prayer (or plainchant), building up to the full unaccompanied choir, and then the piano joins in. If you have limited forces, the tenors can join the basses for the opening four bars (measures). If necessary, the accompanist can double the vocal parts rather than use the written piano part.

Duration: 3 minutes 30 seconds



Father, forgive them
for they know not what they do,
for they know not, they know not
for they know not what they do.
Father, forgive them,
oh, Father, forgive them,
for they know not, they know not,
they know not what they do.

As the night falls
and I ponder in my bed,
I remember the dark things
I have done, thought and said –
all the laws I have slighted,
the conflicts I incited.
And I know not, yet I know him –
the demon in my head.

I hear Christ’s plea
on behalf of his foes.
Even as he was dying
it was mercy that he chose.
[All] my unresolved sins
will therefore be absolved
if I want it, if I ask it.
My heart overflows.

Father, forgive them.
Oh, Father, forgive us
for we know not what we do,
we know not what we do.

Forgive us, forgive us.

Words copyright Blair H. Smith, 2025