Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord) is a traditional African-American spiritual that reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The song invites listeners to contemplate their presence at the pivotal events of Jesus' life, particularly his crucifixion, and to empathize with the profound emotions experienced by those witnessing the crucifixion.
The lyrics evoke feelings of sorrow, anguish, and lamentation, emphasizing the deeply emotional and spiritual significance of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity's redemption. Through its poignant melody and reflective lyrics, the song serves as a powerful meditation on faith, suffering, and redemption in the Christian tradition.
Letter notes
D G (B G) D G D (B G) D B
(A D) F# (E G) (B D) F# D A
(B G) D G G D G D
G D G D (G G) D B D
(D° B) F# B F# (D° B) F# D°
(E° E) E (D° F#) D (D° G) D G B
(A D) F# A D F# A F#
D F# A F# D F# A F#
Number Notation
2 5 (7 5) 2 5 2 (7 5) 2 7
(6 2) 4# (3 5) (7 2) 4# 2 6
(7 5) 2 5 5 2 5 2
5 2 5 2 (5 5) 2 7 2
(2° 7) 4# 7 4# (2° 7) 4# 2°
(3° 3) 3 (2° 4#) 2 (2° 5) 2 5 7
(6 2) 4# 6 2 4# 6 4#
2 4# 6 4# 2 4# 6 4#
