Lay Down the Weight

Like an old hymn passed down through generations. No single name is attached to it, yet its words feel at home in retreat centers, small chapels, and bustling streets where Jesuits walk alongside the poor.

It is inspired by the experience of a Jesuit novice house in Spain in the late 20th century, where young men preparing for vows would gather in the evenings to pray and reflect. While a novice struggles with the vow of poverty, coming from a world of comfort and security, and the weight of surrendering his old dreams press heavily on him. he meditates on the Gospel passage of the lilies of the field and the sparrows in the sky, and the melody emerges—a soft, yearning refrain.

“Oh, the lilies, they neither toil nor spin,

Yet they're clothed by the love of Him.

What I once thought lost, I now receive,

For in letting go, I learn to believe.”

The words come from a place of wrestling, of learning to trust. What starts as a personal reflection becomes a communal prayer, shaped by the experience of those who live the vow in different contexts—Jesuits serving in urban shelters, in mission lands, in classrooms and refugee camps. The chorus, simple yet profound, remains unchanged:

“Lay down the weight, let go of gold,

Walk with the poor, with hands to hold.

For in nothing, we find the key,

A heart unchained, a soul set free.”

As Jesuits carry the song to new places, it evolves, with subtle variations emerging in different cultures. In Latin America, the song takes on a rhythmic sway, sometimes accompanied by hand drums and soft maracas, blending with the warmth of local folk traditions. In the Philippines, it is sung in processions, its verses translated into Tagalog, emphasizing the people’s deep trust in pagpapala—blessing through surrender. In the United States, gospel-influenced harmonies find their way into its performance, echoing the spirituals of those who had long found hope in God amidst struggle.

While its melodies and interpretations can vary as the song travels to new places and evolves, it always carries the same truth: to embrace poverty is not to lose, but to be set free.

The Song and the Community

Lay Down the Weight is more than just a song—it is an anthem of discernment, to be sung during retreats, at the end of long mission days, or when a brother takes his final vows. It is a song that accompanies moments of doubt, when the vow of poverty feels difficult, reminding Jesuits why they chose this path. It is also a song of celebration, sung in full voice when someone fully embraces the joy of a life lived for others.

Beyond the Jesuits, the song has a place among those they serve. In soup kitchens and shelters, its melody serves those who have lost everything but still hold on to faith. In the streets, its words a gentle yet firm reminder that wealth is not the measure of a person’s worth.

“Not in power, not in pride,

But in surrender, love abides.

Not in riches, not in fame,

But in His mercy, I take His name.”

For those who hear it, the song speaks to something universal—a longing to be free from the burdens of a world that constantly demands more, and an invitation to step into the grace of having enough. Whether sung by novices taking their first steps in religious life or by communities struggling for dignity, Lay Down the Weight remains a living witness to the paradox of poverty: that by letting go, we receive more than we ever imagined.

Final Reflection

Like the vow of poverty itself, Lay Down the Weight belongs to no one person—it is a gift, meant to be shared. And as long as there are hearts seeking freedom in surrender, its melody will continue to echo, carrying its message from one generation to the next.

A blend of contemplative reverence and uplifting conviction, reflecting both the struggle of letting go and the joy of finding true freedom. The musical arrangement draws from folk, gospel, and classical traditions, weaving together acoustic warmth and choral richness to symbolize both personal surrender and communal faith. Invite reflection, yet leave the listener with a sense of hope and empowerment—an encouragement to lay down the burdens of possession and embrace the richness of a life lived in trust, service, and love.

Instrumentation

• Acoustic guitar & piano – Ground the song with an earthy, intimate foundation.

• Strings (violin, cello) – Add depth, evoking contemplation and spiritual longing.

• Subtle percussion – Keeps a steady rhythm, symbolizing the ongoing journey of faith.

Vocals

• Lead voice – Sincere, warm, and soulful, carrying the emotional weight of the lyrics. A male tenor or female alto with a tone that conveys both vulnerability and strength.

• Choir harmonies – Swelling in the pre-chorus and bridge to reflect the communal nature of the Jesuit mission, emphasizing shared purpose and support.

• Call-and-response sections – Represent the dynamic between personal commitment and the witness of the wider faith community.

Detailed Instructions for Interpretation

A delicate balance of contemplation and conviction, reflecting both the struggle of letting go and the profound joy of discovering true freedom. The music carries an intimate warmth, drawing from folk traditions, the soulfulness of gospel, and the depth of classical influences. It begins with a quiet simplicity—acoustic guitar and piano setting the foundation, creating a sense of closeness, as if the song is being sung in a small chapel or around a fire where stories of faith are shared.

As the song unfolds, it grows in richness, mirroring the transformation that occurs when one surrenders material attachments and embraces the deeper calling of love and service. Strings, subtle at first, weave into the melody, bringing an air of longing and transcendence. A steady, almost heartbeat-like rhythm in the percussion emerges—not rushed, but purposeful, symbolizing the steady journey of faith.

The lead vocal should carry sincerity and warmth, a voice that feels both personal and universal, inviting the listener to reflect as if they are being spoken to directly. A male tenor or female alto would bring the depth and resonance needed to convey the song’s weight and beauty. The presence of a choir is essential—not overpowering, but rising in moments of communal affirmation, emphasizing that the vow of poverty is not walked alone. In certain sections, call-and-response elements bring to life the dynamic between individual commitment and the shared witness of a faith community.

As the final chorus swells, the song reaches its moment of revelation—not as a triumphant declaration, but as a quiet, profound realization: that freedom is found not in possessing, but in surrendering. The outro should fade gently, like a prayer still lingering in the air, leaving the listener with a sense of peace and an invitation to reflect.

This is not a song to be merely sung—it is a song to be lived, a meditation on the courage to trust, the grace of simplicity, and the abundant love found in a heart unburdened.

[Verse 1]

I once held silver, I once held gold,

Thought they would shelter, thought they would hold.

But the weight grew heavy, the chains pulled tight,

Till I saw the truth in the dead of night.

[Pre-Chorus]

Oh, the lilies, they neither toil nor spin,

Yet they're clothed by the love of Him.

What I once thought lost, I now receive,

For in letting go, I learn to believe.

[Chorus]

Lay down the weight, let go of gold,

Walk with the poor, with hands to hold.

For in nothing, we find the key,

A heart unchained, a soul set free.

[Verse 2]

No walls to bind me, no wealth to claim,

Only the fire that speaks His name.

Through humble hands and weary feet,

I find my Lord in the least of these.

[Pre-Chorus]

Oh, the sparrows, they have no store,

Yet they're held in His arms evermore.

What I once feared, now I embrace,

For poverty leads to a boundless grace.

[Chorus]

Lay down the weight, let go of gold,

Walk with the poor, with hands to hold.

For in nothing, we find the key,

A heart unchained, a soul set free.

[Bridge] (Choir harmonies swell)

Not in power, not in pride,

But in surrender, love abides.

Not in riches, not in fame,

But in His mercy, I take His name.

[Chorus] (Final, soaring)

Lay down the weight, let go of gold,

Walk with the poor, with hands to hold.

For in nothing, we find the key,

A heart unchained, a soul set free.

[Outro] (Soft, reflective)

I have nothing, yet I own the skies,

For love is the treasure that never dies.

I walk this road with Christ alone,

Bound by nothing—forever home.

[Couplet 1]  

Un jour j’avais l’or, le monde à mes pieds,  

Pensant qu’un trésor pouvait tout donner.  

Mais son poids m’écrase, il enchaîne mon cœur,  

Jusqu’à cette nuit où j’entends Sa lueur.  

[Pré-Refrain]  

Regarde les lys, ils ne filent pas,  

Et pourtant le Père les habille déjà.  

Ce que je croyais perdu pour moi,  

Dans le dépouillement, je trouve la foi.  

[Refrain]  

Je laisse tout, je perds l’or,  

J’avance humble, les mains qui s’offrent.  

Car dans le vide, je trouve Jésus,  

Mon cœur est libre, il m’a rendu.  

[Couplet 2]  

Pas de maison, pas de destin,  

Juste une flamme qui brûle sans fin.  

Dans chaque pauvre, dans chaque regard,  

C’est Dieu lui-même que je peux voir.  

[Pré-Refrain]  

Regarde les oiseaux, ils n'ont pas de pain,  

Et pourtant le Père les garde en Ses mains.  

Ce que je craignais, je l’embrasserai,  

Car la pauvreté m’a libéré.  

[Refrain]  

Je laisse tout, je perds l’or,  

J’avance humble, les mains qui s’offrent.  

Car dans le vide, je trouve Jésus,  

Mon cœur est libre, il m’a rendu.  

[Pont] (Chœur harmonisé)  

Ce n’est pas l’argent, ni l’ambition,  

Mais dans l’amour que naît la mission.  

Ce n’est pas la gloire, ni le pouvoir,  

Mais dans Sa grâce, j’ai l’espoir.  

[Refrain Final] (Élevant, joyeux)  

Je laisse tout, je perds l’or,  

J’avance humble, les mains qui s’offrent.  

Car dans le vide, je trouve Jésus,  

Mon cœur est libre, il m’a rendu.  

[Outro] (Doux et contemplatif)  

Je n’ai rien, mais j’ai le ciel,  

Car l’amour de Dieu est éternel.  

Je marche en Christ, en Lui je vis,  

Sans possession… tout m’est acquis. 

[Verso 1]

Un giorno avevo oro, avevo di più,

pensavo bastasse per stare quaggiù.

Ma il peso era grande, il cuore legò,

finché nella notte Gesù mi chiamò.

[Pre-Ritornello]

Guarda i gigli, non tessono mai,

e il Padre li veste con amore e guai.

Ciò che credevo perduto per me,

ora lo vedo, mi basta il perché.

[Ritornello]

Lascio il peso, dono tutto,

cammino umile, libero e asciutto.

Perché nel nulla trovo Gesù,

la mia ricchezza è solo quaggiù.

[Verso 2]

Né case né terre, nulla ho più,

solo un fuoco che arde lassù.

Nei volti stanchi, nella povertà,

vedo il Signore che amore mi dà.

[Pre-Ritornello]

Guarda i passeri, non hanno un grano,

eppure riposano nella Sua mano.

Ciò che temetti, ora accoglierò,

povero e libero, servo sarò.

[Ritornello]

Lascio il peso, dono tutto,

cammino umile, libero e asciutto.

Perché nel nulla trovo Gesù,

la mia ricchezza è solo quaggiù.

[Ponte] (Coro armonizzando)

Non nel potere, non nell’onor,

ma nell’amore si trova il Signor.

Non nella gloria, non nel denar,

ma nella grazia la libertà.

[Ritornello Finale] (Crescendo, gioioso)

Lascio il peso, dono tutto,

cammino umile, libero e asciutto.

Perché nel nulla trovo Gesù,

la mia ricchezza è solo quaggiù.

[Outro] (Dolce e contemplativo)

Non ho più nulla, ma ho il ciel,

l’amor di Dio è il mio fedel.

Nel nome Suo camminerò,

senza possesso… tutto avrò.

[Verso 1]

Un día tuve oro, riquezas sin fin,

Creí que eran todo, creí ser feliz.

Pero el peso era grande, mi alma ató,

Hasta que en la noche, Su voz me llamó.

[Pre-Coro]

Mira los lirios, no tejen, no van,

Y el Padre los viste en su eterno afán.

Lo que creí perder, hoy puedo ver,

Pues en el despojo aprendo a creer.

[Coro]

Suelto el peso, dejo el oro,

Camino humilde, en manos doy todo.

Porque en nada, encuentro luz,

Mi alma es libre, solo en Jesús.

[Verso 2]

Sin tierras propias, sin más que dar,

Solo este fuego que quiere amar.

En rostros pobres, en el dolor,

Encuentro a Cristo, mi Salvador.

[Pre-Coro]

Mira los gorriones, sin granero están,

Y en Sus manos, descanso hallarán.

Lo que temía, hoy abrazaré,

Pues la pobreza me deja ver.

[Puente] (Coro armonizando)

No en el poder, no en la ambición,

Sino en entrega, vive el amor.

No en la riqueza, no en vanidad,

Sino en Su gracia, hay libertad.

[Coro Final] (Creciente, esperanzador)

Suelto el peso, dejo el oro,

Camino humilde, en manos doy todo.

Porque en nada, encuentro luz,

Mi alma es libre, solo en Jesús.

[Outro] (Suave y contemplativo)

No tengo nada, mas tengo el cielo,

Pues el amor es mi único anhelo.

Camino en Cristo, en Él soy yo,

Sin posesiones… en Dios lo hallo todo.

Sin posesiones… en Dios lo hallo todo.