Francis Blight’s song writing focuses on creating contemporary tunes for classic hymn lyrics. He is part of a growing movement which is reappraising the churches lyrical legacy. Francis writes: “My aspiration is for these treasures from the Church’s past to be heard in a brand new way. A different kind of melody and song structure can enable that.”
The latest single My Hope is Built on Nothing Less gives a new melancholy melody to Edward Mote’s famous lyrics. Jane Jewel’s cello adds brooding depth and dimension to the song. The track is receiving some fledgling radio play in the USA and around the world. Songs from Francis’ New Skin For Old Song mini album have already gained popularity on iTunes with fans of Casting Crowns, Leeland and Sanctus Real.
Francis has lived most of his life in and around London in the UK, but recently moved to the Netherlands where he now leads an international Anglican congregation. He was first drawn to the message of Jesus as a teenager whilst at a British boarding school. He struggled with the exclusive claim that Jesus was the only person who could give eternal life, and travelled in India seeking to examine the claims of other religions. There he met and discussed with Hindus, Christians and Tibetan Buddhists. His spiritual journey led him to return to the UK accepting Jesus’ words: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14.6).