13 Feb We Shall Be Known
This amazing song written by Karisha Longaker of MaMuse came to her in a dream and felt so familiar to her she was convinced it already existed and almost didn’t release it. Just goes to show ya! One of the more potent anthems of our time…
UPDATE! This recording has been checked for complete accuracy after direct consultation with Karisha. This matches their studio recording on the album Prayers for Freedom.
Composer & Copyright
Original song by Karisha Longaker of MaMuse, 2016. We Shall Be Known is included in this song library with permission for the purposes of oral tradition singing and teaching. If singing this song for performance or recording for profit, you must get permission from and pay royalties to the composer.
Recording
Buy the original recording by MaMuse here.
Teaching recording by Lisa G. Littlebird.
Lyrics
We shall be known by the company we keep
by the ones who circle round to tend these fires
We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap
the seeds of change alive from deep within the earth
It is time now
It is time now that we thrive
It is time we lead ourselves into the well
It is time now, and what a time to be alive
In this great turning we shall learn to lead in love
In this great turning we shall learn to lead in love
Teaching Notes
This song is now circulating so widely it’s very likely you’ll have some in your group who know it and will speed the learning along. In a group where no one knows the song it is a more intensive teach, but I have seen beginners learn this in one session. And the rewards are big! For simplicity you can teach the alto line only, which is the melody. The soprano line adds nice dimension and is pretty teachable but the tenor line is more advanced (but heart-achingly gorgeous) and recommended for choirs or more experienced singers.
This recording is in G.
Level of oral tradition teaching speed/ difficulty (1 = very easy, 10 = very challenging)
Would anyone happen to know what the phrase “lead ourselves into the well” mean ?
I have heard Karisha share that for her the well is the source of wellness, the source of the water, our nourishment.
Thank you for these excellent teaching versions, Lisa!
Here’s a good version of the sheet music for all three vocal parts: https://musescore.com/user/15709681/scores/6074980
Downloading it requires a subscription (includes a free trial) — however teachers can get it for free. See: https://www.reddit.com/r/MusicEd/comments/eulsso/donation_from_musescore_free_pro_accounts_of/
Hi,
I am desperate for a sheet music version if anyone can help. kirsten.stewart@iinet.net.au.
Kirsten
Louise Cottrell said she had the sheet music for “We Shall Be Known”. How could I obtain a copy?
A perfect anthem for these times. Thank you!
I found it helpful to type up the words, then just take a “shape-note singing” approach to indicating the relative intervals and when to go up and down. It’s working very well so far.
Hi Lisa,
Might you have a copy of the sheet music in parts for acapella singing? Thank you!
I’m sorry I don’t have sheet music for this Sierra. Try reaching out to MaMuse or the Thrive Street Choir… they may have it.
I have the sheet music if there is some way for us to connect 🙂
I would love sheet music too!
Is there sheet music available for voice parts?
Hi Tambrey, I’m sorry right now I don’t have any sheet music for the songs.
Looks like there’s a problem with the link to the recording – would love to hear your rendition. I’d like to learn it to arrange it for my choirs.
All fixed Patti! WordPress and Soundcloud changed their code but I got it working again. Thanks for your patience and thanks for listening!
Can someone give me the guitar or uke cords? I am not experienced enough to figure it out. Thank you!
Hi Sunny, I’m sorry I don’t know or have them, and have never heard this song done with instrumentation.
Sunny, I was searching for sheet music for this song and saw several links for guitar chords. Try searching MaMuse We Shall Be Known chords…
I love this song!!