In an effort to condense things I am doing into smaller chunks, I am no longer going to post to my music blog. So, if you have been checking that, it will now direct you here instead.
I enjoy writing and arranging songs. To me it is relaxing and uplifting. This hymn arrangement is my first venture back into writing since being pleasantly sidetracked by the birth of my youngest son. Feels good. Hope you or someone you know might enjoy this.
In the middle of singing the congregational hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour", ideas started coming to mind as I felt the powerful message of the lyrics. The next day I started playing around with the ideas, not sure what was going to come of them. As it turned out, four different arrangements were born of those initial ideas. It took a few weeks to finish as I went about studying the song and the lyrics, hearing from my missionary son that it was one of his favorites, contemplating the meaning of these words in my own life, etc. I came to realize the message is oh so true. I need my Savior every hour.
To view the sheet music or listen to computerized audio recordings of any of the arrangements, go to THIS PAGE on our home website. (UPDATE: We have moved our home website to http://completeleefamily.com. Click on the Music link to find all Marika Lee arrangements and originals.)
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday, September 5, 2009
"Love at Home" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is entitled, “Love at Home”. Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song:
Mosiah 2:17, 41
1 Peter 3: 9-12
Romans 12:10.
Various facts:
Text and music by John Hugh McNaughton (1829-1891)
The story behind the song:
I found it interesting to note that this hymn was very popular until about the 1950's when it started to be dropped from many denominations hymnals. Today, there are hardly any churches that still include it. It is, however, relatively popular in Japan for weddings that want to emulate the western style.
John McNaughton lived in Caledonia, New York, a town close to Rochester. John was called 'The Poet McNaughton' because he composed many popular songs in his day. He wrote one other song that was as famous as 'Love at Home'. It was a song about Union soldiers that had been taken prisoner during the Civil War. A famous singing trio recorde the song and brought it fame.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
Mosiah 2:17, 41
1 Peter 3: 9-12
Romans 12:10.
Various facts:
Text and music by John Hugh McNaughton (1829-1891)
The story behind the song:
I found it interesting to note that this hymn was very popular until about the 1950's when it started to be dropped from many denominations hymnals. Today, there are hardly any churches that still include it. It is, however, relatively popular in Japan for weddings that want to emulate the western style.
John McNaughton lived in Caledonia, New York, a town close to Rochester. John was called 'The Poet McNaughton' because he composed many popular songs in his day. He wrote one other song that was as famous as 'Love at Home'. It was a song about Union soldiers that had been taken prisoner during the Civil War. A famous singing trio recorde the song and brought it fame.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mama Rika's Baby Sings Star Wars
A month or two ago, Chubby became fascinated with listening to the Imperial March with his brother. Now he sings it off and on all day. He also likes to sing along to songs by Journey. Without a doubt, his favorite thing to sing is the Star Wars Imperial March! Enjoy!
Here's my youtube channel in case you are interested in watching more. http://www.youtube.com/user/CompleteLeeVideo
You can always go to www.completelee.com to find links to all these sorts of things. (FYI, we are revamping the website for easier use. Hopefully that will be completed sooner rather than later!)
Here's my youtube channel in case you are interested in watching more. http://www.youtube.com/user/CompleteLeeVideo
You can always go to www.completelee.com to find links to all these sorts of things. (FYI, we are revamping the website for easier use. Hopefully that will be completed sooner rather than later!)
Saturday, July 18, 2009
"Come, Come Ye Saints" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is a pioneer song entitled, “Come, Come Ye Saints”. Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song:
D & C 61:36-39
D & C 59:1-4
Various facts:
Text by William Clayton (1814-1879)
Music by English Folk Song
The story behind the song:
William Clayton was one of the Mormon Pioneers that was forced by violent mobs to leave his home in Nauvoo before the spring thaw. These faithful leaders endured cold, sickness, mud, hunger and other trials. Some loved ones had been remained behind, unable to travel just yet. News of them had been hard to come by.
For two months, Clayton received no word about his wife. When he finally received word that his wife had given birth to a son, he was completely ecstatic. He wrote in his journal of how he rejoiced. He also noted that the same morning, he had composed a new song.
This new hymn became a favorite of the pioneers traveling west. By unspoken rule, whenever any one person began to sing this song, all should join in. The hymn memorializes the devotion of those early pioneers. It allows us all to reflect on our own commitment to Christ.
Although this is one of the best known LDS hymns, it is also sung by some Protestants and Seventh-Day Adventists.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
D & C 61:36-39
D & C 59:1-4
Various facts:
Text by William Clayton (1814-1879)
Music by English Folk Song
The story behind the song:
William Clayton was one of the Mormon Pioneers that was forced by violent mobs to leave his home in Nauvoo before the spring thaw. These faithful leaders endured cold, sickness, mud, hunger and other trials. Some loved ones had been remained behind, unable to travel just yet. News of them had been hard to come by.
For two months, Clayton received no word about his wife. When he finally received word that his wife had given birth to a son, he was completely ecstatic. He wrote in his journal of how he rejoiced. He also noted that the same morning, he had composed a new song.
This new hymn became a favorite of the pioneers traveling west. By unspoken rule, whenever any one person began to sing this song, all should join in. The hymn memorializes the devotion of those early pioneers. It allows us all to reflect on our own commitment to Christ.
Although this is one of the best known LDS hymns, it is also sung by some Protestants and Seventh-Day Adventists.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
"How Firm a Foundation" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is a pioneer song entitled, "How Firm a Foundation". Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song:
Isaiah 43:2-5
Isaiah 41:10
Helaman 5:12
Various facts:
Text attributed to Robert Keen (ca. 1787)
Music attributed to J. Ellis (ca. 1889)
The story behind the song:
Dr. John Rippon, a Baptist minister, brought this hymn to America with a collection of hymns in his hymnal. The earliest copies of this hymn show the composer to have been K______. It is thought that Robert Keen is the most likely candidate to have written this work.
The popularity of this hymn spread across many religions, and has withstood the test of time. It teaches timeless Christian principles.
The hymn was sung at the funerals of several different U.S. Presidents, including Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt. It was also a favorite of General Robert E. Lee.
One time this hymn was sung by a group of American soldiers on Christmas day in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. More and more soldiers joined in until thousands, even the whole army corps, along the ridge were singing. All were of varying religions, but united in this.
This song was sung early on to the same tune as "O Come All Ye Faithful." Today, it isn't sung to that tune, but to two separate tunes, depending upon what church you may be attending.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
Isaiah 43:2-5
Isaiah 41:10
Helaman 5:12
Various facts:
Text attributed to Robert Keen (ca. 1787)
Music attributed to J. Ellis (ca. 1889)
The story behind the song:
Dr. John Rippon, a Baptist minister, brought this hymn to America with a collection of hymns in his hymnal. The earliest copies of this hymn show the composer to have been K______. It is thought that Robert Keen is the most likely candidate to have written this work.
The popularity of this hymn spread across many religions, and has withstood the test of time. It teaches timeless Christian principles.
The hymn was sung at the funerals of several different U.S. Presidents, including Andrew Jackson and Theodore Roosevelt. It was also a favorite of General Robert E. Lee.
One time this hymn was sung by a group of American soldiers on Christmas day in Cuba during the Spanish-American war. More and more soldiers joined in until thousands, even the whole army corps, along the ridge were singing. All were of varying religions, but united in this.
This song was sung early on to the same tune as "O Come All Ye Faithful." Today, it isn't sung to that tune, but to two separate tunes, depending upon what church you may be attending.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
"The Star-Spangled Banner" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
A patriotic theme is in order today! This week’s song is “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song: "Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!"
1 Nephi 13:17-19
Alma 46:12-15
Various facts:
Text by Francis Scott Key (1779-1843)
Music by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836)
The story behind the song:
I love this story! I have read it in many different forms over the year, so I shall share my condensed version here.
Scriptures for this song: "Praise the Pow'r that hath made and preserved us a nation!"
1 Nephi 13:17-19
Alma 46:12-15
Various facts:
Text by Francis Scott Key (1779-1843)
Music by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836)
The story behind the song:
I love this story! I have read it in many different forms over the year, so I shall share my condensed version here.
This story begins in the home that Francis Scott Key grew up in. He was taught the importance of patriotism at an early age by his mother and grandmother. At the age of 12 he had the opportunity to hear George Washington speak and was deeply impressed. He remained an active patriot into his adult life. He wrote poems and spoke with others about his passion for America.
During the war, he noticed that he had not heard from his friend Dr. Beanes for quite some time. Key was concerned that he had been captured by the British. He inquired about and found that he was being kept on board a British ship. He felt compelled to see what he could do to gain his friend's release.
Before going to the ship, he procured information from English soldiers who had been treated kindly and fairly by Dr. Beanes. Then, raising a white flag, Key was able to speak with the captain of the British ship. The captain could see Key was sincere and speaking the truth and planned to release Dr. Beanes. However, since Key & Beanes "knew too much", they would not be allowed to leave until after the attack on Fort McHenry.
Mary Pickersgill had been commissioned to sew an enormous flag that would be able to be seen by all, both the English & the Americans alike. Francis Scott Key could see the flag flying from where he was upon the water. As darkness closed in, he agonized as he waited and watched throughout the night. Occasionally the bursting bombs illuminated the flag, but through the dark of the night, it was difficult to see the progress of the battle. If the flag still stood in the morning, that would mean that the British were unsuccessful in their attempt to capture Fort McHenry and possibly win the war.
The pre-dawn hours carried much suspense. As the first rays of light started shining through, Key was utterly amazed and thrilled by the sight he saw. The flag was still there! Fort McHenry was still in American hands!
Nearly overwhelmed by his feelings, Key penned his thoughts on the back of an old letter he found in his pocket. The words he wrote truly share the story of what he went through that night. Back on shore later on, he finished up his words. A friend copied his poem and distributed them about. The poem spread like junk email, (well, as much as it could do so without modern technology).
Francis Scott Key's words became a dignified, moving, patriotic anthem. In 1931 it was finally recognized as the official national anthem of the U.S.A. Through this song, Francis Scott Key's name will forever be linked with the words true patriot.
Here are the complete lyrics as written by Key. Traditionally we only sing verses 1, 2, and 4. Read through the lyrics and feel what it must have been like for Francis Scott Key on that night.
Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?
On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
"Lead Kindly, Light" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “Lead, Kindly Light". Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song:
Psalm 43:3
Psalm 119:133-135
Various facts:
Text by John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Music by John B. Dykes (1823-1876)
The story with the song:
John Henry Newman, a Roman Catholic Priest, penned the lines to this hymn after he had been ill and unable to return to England. He lamented this fact because he felt that he needed to get to England to do some work. After spending three weeks attending various churches and travelling in Italy, trying to get home, he was able to spend a calm week. After this week, he wrote the words to Lead, Kindly Light.
John B. Dykes became the assistant organist for his grandfather's church when he was only 10. He wrote many sermons and religious texts throughout his life, but he was most known for having written over 300 hymn tunes.
Scriptures for this song:
Psalm 43:3
Psalm 119:133-135
Various facts:
Text by John Henry Newman (1801-1890)
Music by John B. Dykes (1823-1876)
The story with the song:
John Henry Newman, a Roman Catholic Priest, penned the lines to this hymn after he had been ill and unable to return to England. He lamented this fact because he felt that he needed to get to England to do some work. After spending three weeks attending various churches and travelling in Italy, trying to get home, he was able to spend a calm week. After this week, he wrote the words to Lead, Kindly Light.
John B. Dykes became the assistant organist for his grandfather's church when he was only 10. He wrote many sermons and religious texts throughout his life, but he was most known for having written over 300 hymn tunes.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
"There is Sunshine in My Soul Today" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
In honor of sunny summer days, this week’s song is “There is Sunshine in My Soul Today". Click here for music. Click here if you want a free copy of my simple piano arrangement of several "sunny" tunes. (Audio included)
Scriptures for this song: Sunshine and light--great gospel parallels!
Isaiah 60:19
Psalm 16:9-11
Various facts:
Text by Eliza E. Hewitt (18051-1920)
Music by John R. Sweeney (1837-1899)
The story with the song:
Eliza Hewitt was a teacher until she had a serious spinal problem. The problem caused her to be an invalid for the rest of her life, but it was at that time that she turned to writing hymns. This hymn was apparently written in gratitude after having a heavy cast removed that she had worn for six months.
John R. Sweeney was a respected secular music leader. In 1871, he had a spiritual awakening and devoted his remaining years to writing for Christian ministries.
Scriptures for this song: Sunshine and light--great gospel parallels!
Isaiah 60:19
Psalm 16:9-11
Various facts:
Text by Eliza E. Hewitt (18051-1920)
Music by John R. Sweeney (1837-1899)
The story with the song:
Eliza Hewitt was a teacher until she had a serious spinal problem. The problem caused her to be an invalid for the rest of her life, but it was at that time that she turned to writing hymns. This hymn was apparently written in gratitude after having a heavy cast removed that she had worn for six months.
John R. Sweeney was a respected secular music leader. In 1871, he had a spiritual awakening and devoted his remaining years to writing for Christian ministries.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Saturday, June 13, 2009
"O My Father" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
Here's another Father's Day song choice. This week’s song is “O My Father”. Click here for music.
Scriptures for this song:
Acts 17:28-29 We are His children, therefore, He is our Father.
Romans 8:16-17
Various facts:
Text by Eliza R. Snow (1804-1887)
Music by James McGranahan (1840-1907)
The story with the song:
This hymn's text is written by an LDS author. It has been sung to many different tunes until finally settling on James McGranahan's melody. His tune was originally published to accompany these words by Philip Paul Bliss (both non-LDS Christians).
McGranahan may not have achieved fame in the world of opera, but he did become fairly well known. He is credited with having composed the tune for the official Hawaii State Song which is still sung at major sporting events and civil ceremonies there. He also composed many hymns.
Eliza R. Snow was a very well-known woman because of the poetry she wrote. She wrote poetry throughtout her life and was sought after by many because of it. She had an autograph album that holds signatures of many famous people, including Queen Victoria of England, Charles Dickens, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Susan B. Anthony, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Victor Hugo, Abraham Lincoln, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Many of her poems became set to music as hymns.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Scriptures for this song:
Acts 17:28-29 We are His children, therefore, He is our Father.
Romans 8:16-17
Various facts:
Text by Eliza R. Snow (1804-1887)
Music by James McGranahan (1840-1907)
The story with the song:
This hymn's text is written by an LDS author. It has been sung to many different tunes until finally settling on James McGranahan's melody. His tune was originally published to accompany these words by Philip Paul Bliss (both non-LDS Christians).
I will sing of my Redeemer
And His wond'rous love to me;
On the cruel cross He suffered
From the curse to set me free.
Sing, oh, sing of my Redeemer,
With His blood He purchased me.
On the cross He sealed my pardon,
Paid the debt, and made me free.
James McGranahan had the opportunity to become a famous opera star, but chose instead to dedicate his talents to the Lord. His friend P. P. Bliss (who wrote the above lyrics) was instrumental in helping him make this choice. One week before Bliss died, he wrote McGranahan a letter, asking him to choose the Lord over opera. The letter he wrote struck McGranahan so strongly that he determined to make that choice.
McGranahan may not have achieved fame in the world of opera, but he did become fairly well known. He is credited with having composed the tune for the official Hawaii State Song which is still sung at major sporting events and civil ceremonies there. He also composed many hymns.
Eliza R. Snow was a very well-known woman because of the poetry she wrote. She wrote poetry throughtout her life and was sought after by many because of it. She had an autograph album that holds signatures of many famous people, including Queen Victoria of England, Charles Dickens, Lord Alfred Tennyson, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Susan B. Anthony, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Victor Hugo, Abraham Lincoln, John Greenleaf Whittier, and Oliver Wendell Holmes. Many of her poems became set to music as hymns.
Not only did she have some degree of fame, she also had wealth. She gave a sizable portion of her wealth for a temple to be built in Kirtland, Ohio.
At the time she wrote the text for O My Father, she was living in temporary housing with friends. She obviously had a strong testimony of Christ and the resurrection. The beautiful words of O My Father chronicle the journey we make. First, we resided in a premortal realm. Verses two and three tell the tale of our earthly life. Finally, verse four finds us back in the presence of the Father.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Sunday, June 7, 2009
"Faith of Our Fathers” Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
With Father's Day coming up, I thought this would be a good choice. This week’s song is “Faith of Our Fathers”. Click here for music. If you want my SAT, or rather I should say, SA + Men (Soprano, Alto, Men) arrangement of this song, click here
Scriptures for this song:
1 Timothy 6:12 Verses 6-11 tell us why we should fight this good fight.
Jude 1:3
John 8:32
Various facts:
Text by Frederick W. Faber (1814-1863)
Music by Henri F. Hemy (1818-1888) & the refrain by James G. Walton (1821-1905)
The story with the song:
Frederick W. Faber became an Anglican priest but converted to Roman Catholicism a few years later. He decided to write Catholic hymns because he really wanted there to be a movement towards more congregational hymn singing in the Catholic churches. He was disappointed that there weren't any hymns in the Catholic church that would compare to those of other churches.
He also apparently wanted to see England return to God. The original third verse asks that "our country" be brought "back to thee". He alludes to the scripture in John 8:32 also in the original third verse saying, "And through the truth that comes from God, England shall then indeed be free."
The hymn has been changed over time. The second verse no longer refers to the fathers who were "chained in prison's dark". The current version still lends us much to think about as we allow our minds to linger on those who have gone before us.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Scriptures for this song:
1 Timothy 6:12 Verses 6-11 tell us why we should fight this good fight.
Jude 1:3
John 8:32
Various facts:
Text by Frederick W. Faber (1814-1863)
Music by Henri F. Hemy (1818-1888) & the refrain by James G. Walton (1821-1905)
The story with the song:
Frederick W. Faber became an Anglican priest but converted to Roman Catholicism a few years later. He decided to write Catholic hymns because he really wanted there to be a movement towards more congregational hymn singing in the Catholic churches. He was disappointed that there weren't any hymns in the Catholic church that would compare to those of other churches.
He also apparently wanted to see England return to God. The original third verse asks that "our country" be brought "back to thee". He alludes to the scripture in John 8:32 also in the original third verse saying, "And through the truth that comes from God, England shall then indeed be free."
The hymn has been changed over time. The second verse no longer refers to the fathers who were "chained in prison's dark". The current version still lends us much to think about as we allow our minds to linger on those who have gone before us.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the Internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Did you Journal for 5 today?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
"We'll Sing All Hail to Jesus' Name" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “We’ll Sing All Hail to Jesus’ Name”. Click here for music
Scriptures for this song:
Moses 4:14-21
Genesis 3:15
2 Nephi 9:
Various facts:
Text by Richard Alldridge (1815-1896)
Music by Joseph Coslett (1850-1910)
The story with the song:
It is evident from this song and the scripture verses that the power of the Lord is greater than the power of the Devil. This is why the song admonishes us to “partake and testify” and to “remember him.” Below are a couple of interesting quotations I found on the subject of the serpent in the Garden of Eden
“The earliest scriptural allusion to Mary is found in the writings of Moses. The Father, speaking to the serpent in the Garden of Eden after the transgression of Adam and Eve, says: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Reference here)
"Perhaps the first reference to the Redeemer in the Bible is in the account of the Lord’s dialogue with the serpent and Adam and Eve after the Fall, where, among other things, the Lord said to the serpent:
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15.)
At the moment when it appears that Satan, “that old serpent, even the devil” (D&C 76:28), has been victorious through the Fall, he is told that the seed of the woman will be victorious over him; or, in effect, the apparent tragedy of the Fall will be overcome by the seed of the woman.
Should there be any ambiguity in the Genesis 3:15 [Gen. 3:15] passage (see also Moses 4:21) regarding the messianic mission, or the coming of the Redeemer, there is utter clarity in the word given to Adam when he was offering a sacrifice to the Lord after he and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden.
“And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
“And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
“Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
“And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed; and all mankind, even as many as will.” (Moses 5:6–9.)
Adam and Eve rejoiced when they learned that the Redeemer had been provided for mankind, “and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.” (Moses 5:12.) (Reference here)
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
Moses 4:14-21
Genesis 3:15
2 Nephi 9:
Various facts:
Text by Richard Alldridge (1815-1896)
Music by Joseph Coslett (1850-1910)
The story with the song:
It is evident from this song and the scripture verses that the power of the Lord is greater than the power of the Devil. This is why the song admonishes us to “partake and testify” and to “remember him.” Below are a couple of interesting quotations I found on the subject of the serpent in the Garden of Eden
“The earliest scriptural allusion to Mary is found in the writings of Moses. The Father, speaking to the serpent in the Garden of Eden after the transgression of Adam and Eve, says: “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, between thy seed and her seed; and he shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Reference here)
"Perhaps the first reference to the Redeemer in the Bible is in the account of the Lord’s dialogue with the serpent and Adam and Eve after the Fall, where, among other things, the Lord said to the serpent:
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Gen. 3:15.)
At the moment when it appears that Satan, “that old serpent, even the devil” (D&C 76:28), has been victorious through the Fall, he is told that the seed of the woman will be victorious over him; or, in effect, the apparent tragedy of the Fall will be overcome by the seed of the woman.
Should there be any ambiguity in the Genesis 3:15 [Gen. 3:15] passage (see also Moses 4:21) regarding the messianic mission, or the coming of the Redeemer, there is utter clarity in the word given to Adam when he was offering a sacrifice to the Lord after he and Eve were cast out of the Garden of Eden.
“And after many days an angel of the Lord appeared unto Adam, saying: Why dost thou offer sacrifices unto the Lord? And Adam said unto him: I know not, save the Lord commanded me.
“And then the angel spake, saying: This thing is a similitude of the sacrifice of the Only Begotten of the Father, which is full of grace and truth.
“Wherefore, thou shalt do all that thou doest in the name of the Son, and thou shalt repent and call upon God in the name of the Son forevermore.
“And in that day the Holy Ghost fell upon Adam, which beareth record of the Father and the Son, saying: I am the Only Begotten of the Father from the beginning, henceforth and forever, that as thou hast fallen thou mayest be redeemed; and all mankind, even as many as will.” (Moses 5:6–9.)
Adam and Eve rejoiced when they learned that the Redeemer had been provided for mankind, “and they made all things known unto their sons and their daughters.” (Moses 5:12.) (Reference here)
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Ms. Wise & Ms. Otherwise Learn Tribal Names!
Studying about Native Americans? Here is just the song to help you learn all those Indian tribal names. Challenge yourself and your kids to see who can remember the most names!
And, don't worry...I really don't anticipate the song putting 'em on the warpath!
Please adhere to copyright restrictions. If you have friends, family, coworkers and others that would like a copy of this music, send them a link to this page or to www.completelee.com where they can download their own. Thank you.
If you click on this link, you can hear a computer generated version of the song. There are two different versions of the song. Using the version you just heard, you can burn that .mp3 to a cd and sing along with it using the sheet music in your car and around the house. (Or you can always just listen to it on your computer.) This version is for the sheet music accompanied only by piano.
If you like the tune and want to purchase the sheet music, you don't have to create a new account if you are a facebook user. Wahoo! You can use the same information you would use to log in to facebook to purchase this song!
And, don't worry...I really don't anticipate the song putting 'em on the warpath!
Please adhere to copyright restrictions. If you have friends, family, coworkers and others that would like a copy of this music, send them a link to this page or to www.completelee.com where they can download their own. Thank you.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
"Now Thank We All Our God” Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
Click on the link for this week’s song, “Now Thank We All Our God”.
Scriptures for this song:
We should always thank the Lord. Here are some ideas on when, where and for what.
1 Chronicles 16:8-15
Ether 2:10-12
Various facts:
Text by Martin Rinkhart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1829-1878)
Music by Johann Cruger (1598-1662)
Tune name: NUN DANKET
The story behind the song:
In 1618, the “30 Year War” began. Martin Rinkhart was a pastor during this war. In the city where he served, he saw every other minister in town die from the plague. The war and disease killed thousands, including Rinkhart’s wife. During this time, he was called upon to conduct up to 40 or 50 funerals on a daily basis. Although he was surrounded by death and hardship, he still gave thanks to the Lord. He wrote this hymn initially for the purpose of being said as grace before meals. The third stanza was written after the war had ended.
The tune to this song, NUN DANKET, is taken from the first line of the German lyrics. “Nun danket alle Gott”. (This basically translates to “Now thank we all our God.”) It is interesting to note that Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers wove this tune into some of their works. This hymn has been used at many national festivals as well, so you can see how widely known and used it is.
Scriptures for this song:
We should always thank the Lord. Here are some ideas on when, where and for what.
1 Chronicles 16:8-15
Ether 2:10-12
Various facts:
Text by Martin Rinkhart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1829-1878)
Music by Johann Cruger (1598-1662)
Tune name: NUN DANKET
The story behind the song:
In 1618, the “30 Year War” began. Martin Rinkhart was a pastor during this war. In the city where he served, he saw every other minister in town die from the plague. The war and disease killed thousands, including Rinkhart’s wife. During this time, he was called upon to conduct up to 40 or 50 funerals on a daily basis. Although he was surrounded by death and hardship, he still gave thanks to the Lord. He wrote this hymn initially for the purpose of being said as grace before meals. The third stanza was written after the war had ended.
The tune to this song, NUN DANKET, is taken from the first line of the German lyrics. “Nun danket alle Gott”. (This basically translates to “Now thank we all our God.”) It is interesting to note that Johann Sebastian Bach and other composers wove this tune into some of their works. This hymn has been used at many national festivals as well, so you can see how widely known and used it is.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Family Reunion Song by Marika Lee
Do you have a family reunion planned for this summer? A few years ago before we headed off to our family reunion, I came up with a song that was all about our family. We taught the chorus to all our aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents and asked them to join in after we sang each verse. We had a bunch of fun with it! Now it is your turn!
Simply replace our family name with yours and sing away to your heart's content! Feel free to change a word or two if it suits you better.
Here is a sample of what the song sounds like. Unfortunately, it isn’t done in a studio, it is just a computerized audio recording. It is the music only, no lyrics. Please, don't expect a spectacular studio produced sound, okay? :) Feel free to listen with this in mind!
Please adhere to copyright restrictions. I don't mind if you print off enough for your family to use, but if you have friends, family, coworkers and others that would like a copy of this music, send them a link to this page or to http://www.completelee.com/ where they can download their own.
Click here to purchase the sheet music for only $1.00! {Yes, you can actually purchase it from the same site that you listened to it on, however, that site takes a much larger commision chunk, so I would prefer you purchase it from here or send me an email telling me you want to send me the money directly or pay me with paypal and I will just email the song to you as an attachment. Thanks!}
Enjoy!
Simply replace our family name with yours and sing away to your heart's content! Feel free to change a word or two if it suits you better.
Here is a sample of what the song sounds like. Unfortunately, it isn’t done in a studio, it is just a computerized audio recording. It is the music only, no lyrics. Please, don't expect a spectacular studio produced sound, okay? :) Feel free to listen with this in mind!
Please adhere to copyright restrictions. I don't mind if you print off enough for your family to use, but if you have friends, family, coworkers and others that would like a copy of this music, send them a link to this page or to http://www.completelee.com/ where they can download their own.
Click here to purchase the sheet music for only $1.00! {Yes, you can actually purchase it from the same site that you listened to it on, however, that site takes a much larger commision chunk, so I would prefer you purchase it from here or send me an email telling me you want to send me the money directly or pay me with paypal and I will just email the song to you as an attachment. Thanks!}
Enjoy!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
“God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand” Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “God of Our Fathers, Whose Almighty Hand”. Click here for music
Scriptures for this song:
A nation chosen of God is blessed. What must we do to remain blessed?
Psalms 33:12
Ether 2:10-12
Various facts:
Original text by Daniel C. Roberts (1841-1907)
Music by George W. Warren (1839-1932)
The story behind the song:
Daniel C. Roberts was a shy man who served as rector of a small church in rural Vermont. He wrote this hymn text for his congregation in celebration of the American Centennial in 1876. He set it to a previously known tune.
It was in 1892 that he anonymously sent the hymn to be considered by the commission that had be formed to revise the Episcopal hymn book. They approved it. Later, the hymn was chosen for the centennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. It would be more correct to say that the text was chosen, but a new tune, complete with trumpet fanfare at the beginning, was written.
George Warren was a very well known and loved organist in New York. In fact, no music was played at his funeral because it was felt by all the mourners that no one could be found to play better than he had.
Scriptures for this song:
A nation chosen of God is blessed. What must we do to remain blessed?
Psalms 33:12
Ether 2:10-12
Various facts:
Original text by Daniel C. Roberts (1841-1907)
Music by George W. Warren (1839-1932)
The story behind the song:
Daniel C. Roberts was a shy man who served as rector of a small church in rural Vermont. He wrote this hymn text for his congregation in celebration of the American Centennial in 1876. He set it to a previously known tune.
It was in 1892 that he anonymously sent the hymn to be considered by the commission that had be formed to revise the Episcopal hymn book. They approved it. Later, the hymn was chosen for the centennial celebration of the U.S. Constitution. It would be more correct to say that the text was chosen, but a new tune, complete with trumpet fanfare at the beginning, was written.
George Warren was a very well known and loved organist in New York. In fact, no music was played at his funeral because it was felt by all the mourners that no one could be found to play better than he had.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
"Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel”, chosen because we all really do "have work, let no one shirk!"
Scriptures for this song:
Nehemiah 6:3, 9
Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-28
D&C 107:99
Various facts:
Music and text by Will L. Thompson (1847-1909)
The story behind the song:
Will Thompson composed many songs in his lifetime. He always took the time to jot down song ideas and lyrics that came to mind so that he wouldn’t forget them. The most famous songs he wrote are hymns. In addition to this hymn, he wrote the well-known Christian hymn, “Softly & Tenderly, Jesus is Calling” which has been translated into more languages than any other hymn and also featured in films. Since commercial publishers didn’t seem to appreciate his efforts, Thompson opened his own music company to self publish. His music and store became very successful, selling to many people.
The song has characteristics of a gospel song with the dotted rhythms and the men’s answering voices in the chorus. If you picture someone literally putting their shoulder to a wagon wheel and pushing along, it helps you appreciate the cadence of the song. Sometimes the pushing of wagons would require strong rhythmic action! Also, often pioneers would sing as they walked—“Do your duty with a heart full of song.” What an encouraging song for all who have a long road to walk and burdens to bear. Push along, push along.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
Nehemiah 6:3, 9
Doctrine & Covenants 58:26-28
D&C 107:99
Various facts:
Music and text by Will L. Thompson (1847-1909)
The story behind the song:
Will Thompson composed many songs in his lifetime. He always took the time to jot down song ideas and lyrics that came to mind so that he wouldn’t forget them. The most famous songs he wrote are hymns. In addition to this hymn, he wrote the well-known Christian hymn, “Softly & Tenderly, Jesus is Calling” which has been translated into more languages than any other hymn and also featured in films. Since commercial publishers didn’t seem to appreciate his efforts, Thompson opened his own music company to self publish. His music and store became very successful, selling to many people.
The song has characteristics of a gospel song with the dotted rhythms and the men’s answering voices in the chorus. If you picture someone literally putting their shoulder to a wagon wheel and pushing along, it helps you appreciate the cadence of the song. Sometimes the pushing of wagons would require strong rhythmic action! Also, often pioneers would sing as they walked—“Do your duty with a heart full of song.” What an encouraging song for all who have a long road to walk and burdens to bear. Push along, push along.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
“Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire” Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire”.
Scriptures for this song:
Each verse of this song details yet another aspect of prayer. These scriptures outline several facets of prayer as well.
James 5:16
3 Nephi 18:15-20
3 Nephi 13:5-13
Various facts:
Original text by James Montgomery (1771-1854)
Music by George Careless (1839-1932)
The story behind the song:
James Montgomery actually wrote another song I have already highlighted. I didn’t realize this until after I started looking up things on him. He wrote “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as well as the text to this hymn. Read more about that here.
George Careless joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1860’s and composed music for several hymns for the Church. He became the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Interestingly, the LDS version of the song rearranges the order of the verses. Couldn’t figure out why this was done.
This hymn really bears close study to find out all it truly teaches about prayer. It’s worth pondering over. There are many apt metaphors describing prayer in this hymn. Take the challenge to find them all.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Remember to do your Spring Clean for 5 this week!
Scriptures for this song:
Each verse of this song details yet another aspect of prayer. These scriptures outline several facets of prayer as well.
James 5:16
3 Nephi 18:15-20
3 Nephi 13:5-13
Various facts:
Original text by James Montgomery (1771-1854)
Music by George Careless (1839-1932)
The story behind the song:
James Montgomery actually wrote another song I have already highlighted. I didn’t realize this until after I started looking up things on him. He wrote “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief as well as the text to this hymn. Read more about that here.
George Careless joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the 1860’s and composed music for several hymns for the Church. He became the conductor of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Interestingly, the LDS version of the song rearranges the order of the verses. Couldn’t figure out why this was done.
This hymn really bears close study to find out all it truly teaches about prayer. It’s worth pondering over. There are many apt metaphors describing prayer in this hymn. Take the challenge to find them all.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Remember to do your Spring Clean for 5 this week!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
"Christ the Lord is Risen Today" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”.
Scriptures for this song:
1 Corinthians 15:20
Matthew 28:5-8
Various facts:
Text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Music by Anonymous (ca 1708)
Tune name is Easter Hymn
The story behind the song:
This is one of the most beloved of Easter hymns. One amazing thing about this hymn is the age of it! It is a variation of an earlier hymn—“Jesus Christ is Risen Today”. This hymn was originally a poem that dated from the 14th century. It was translated from Latin to English in 1708.
The current version has stanzas that are the work of Charles Wesley. Charles Wesley was a leader of the Methodist movement. He wrote words to over 2000 hymns, many of which are still popular today. He and his wife Sarah had 8 children. Three of these children survived infancy and became accomplished musicians themselves. Charles Wesley’s brother John was also an influential Methodist leader.
When Wesley published the original hym text in 1739 for the first worship service at the Wesleyan Chapel in London, the song had no alleluias. These were added later. Alleluia means “praise ye the Lord” or “praise ye Jehovah” in Hebrew.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Don't forget Spring Clean for 5!
Scriptures for this song:
1 Corinthians 15:20
Matthew 28:5-8
Various facts:
Text by Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Music by Anonymous (ca 1708)
Tune name is Easter Hymn
The story behind the song:
This is one of the most beloved of Easter hymns. One amazing thing about this hymn is the age of it! It is a variation of an earlier hymn—“Jesus Christ is Risen Today”. This hymn was originally a poem that dated from the 14th century. It was translated from Latin to English in 1708.
The current version has stanzas that are the work of Charles Wesley. Charles Wesley was a leader of the Methodist movement. He wrote words to over 2000 hymns, many of which are still popular today. He and his wife Sarah had 8 children. Three of these children survived infancy and became accomplished musicians themselves. Charles Wesley’s brother John was also an influential Methodist leader.
When Wesley published the original hym text in 1739 for the first worship service at the Wesleyan Chapel in London, the song had no alleluias. These were added later. Alleluia means “praise ye the Lord” or “praise ye Jehovah” in Hebrew.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Don't forget Spring Clean for 5!
Saturday, April 4, 2009
"Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. Find lyrics here & here.
Scriptures for this song:
2 Kings 2: 7-11 This song references Elijah and Elisha crossing the Jordan river and then being taken up to heaven.
Various facts:
A traditional negro spiritual, this song is credited to Wallis Willis.
The story behind the song:
This site had some interesting insight into negro spirituals. You may want to read a little more on it. Many of the songs written during that time were by slaves who were allowed by their masters to sing, provided they sang nothing that hinted of uprising. A lot of the negro spirituals encased more than one meaning. Apparently Swing Low, Sweet Chariot had reference to the Underground Railroad as well as its more obvious Christian reference. The reference to the Jordan river also meant the Red River. The chariot symbolized transportation and the angels carrying were the good people who helped to hide slaves and “carry” them along to the next safety point.
It is also interesting to note what a large role the Jordan River plays in Christianity. Many miracles occurred there. How many can you name? See here for more details.
In recent history, English Rugby fans have adopted the song as their own. After the 2003 World Cup, the English Rugby team flew home on a plane called “Sweet Chariot”. Below you can see a video of the song performed by the popular group UB40. I found it interesting that this very Christian song is cherished now by Christians and non Christians alike through this sport. It still carries with it the same message of Christ, even if those who are hearing it in this different setting are unaware of the deeper meanings.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Scriptures for this song:
2 Kings 2: 7-11 This song references Elijah and Elisha crossing the Jordan river and then being taken up to heaven.
Various facts:
A traditional negro spiritual, this song is credited to Wallis Willis.
The story behind the song:
This site had some interesting insight into negro spirituals. You may want to read a little more on it. Many of the songs written during that time were by slaves who were allowed by their masters to sing, provided they sang nothing that hinted of uprising. A lot of the negro spirituals encased more than one meaning. Apparently Swing Low, Sweet Chariot had reference to the Underground Railroad as well as its more obvious Christian reference. The reference to the Jordan river also meant the Red River. The chariot symbolized transportation and the angels carrying were the good people who helped to hide slaves and “carry” them along to the next safety point.
It is also interesting to note what a large role the Jordan River plays in Christianity. Many miracles occurred there. How many can you name? See here for more details.
In recent history, English Rugby fans have adopted the song as their own. After the 2003 World Cup, the English Rugby team flew home on a plane called “Sweet Chariot”. Below you can see a video of the song performed by the popular group UB40. I found it interesting that this very Christian song is cherished now by Christians and non Christians alike through this sport. It still carries with it the same message of Christ, even if those who are hearing it in this different setting are unaware of the deeper meanings.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
"Redeemer of Israel" Marika Lee's Hymn & Scripture Study Sundays
This week’s song is “Redeemer of Israel”. Click here for music
I picked this song because as we were singing this song in church today, I glanced down and saw verse 6. I had never really noticed this verse before, but I absolutely love the picture it brings to mind.
He looks! And ten thousands
Of angels rejoice,
And myriads wait for his word;
He speaks! And eternity,
Filled with his voice
Re-echoes the praise of the Lord.
There are not only ten thousands of angels rejoicing, but there are myriads waiting for his word. What’s a myriad? Looking it up, I found that it can mean a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. It can also mean ten thousand. Interesting! And, can you hear his voice, echoing again and again through eternity?
Scriptures for this song:
Exodus 13:21-22 Note the reference in the verses and in the song to a pillar.
1 Nephi 22:12 When you come out of darkness, you come into the light. The light spoken of here is the Redeemer of Israel.
Various facts:
Original text by Joseph Swain (1761-1796_
Text adapted by William W. Phelps (1792-1872)
Music by Freeman Lewis (1780-1859)
The story behind the song:
Joseph Swain was an English man who was converted to Christianity and became a Baptist minister. W.W. Phelps revised the text that Swain wrote, enhancing the imagery and adapting it to fit more soundly with LDS theology.
The song is a comparison between the Children of Israel and followers of Christ today. In the first verse, Christ is praised as our invincible redeemer, next as our shepherd and protector, and finally as the millennial Messiah. Note the grand vision portrayed of his heavenly glory in the sixth verse.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
I picked this song because as we were singing this song in church today, I glanced down and saw verse 6. I had never really noticed this verse before, but I absolutely love the picture it brings to mind.
He looks! And ten thousands
Of angels rejoice,
And myriads wait for his word;
He speaks! And eternity,
Filled with his voice
Re-echoes the praise of the Lord.
There are not only ten thousands of angels rejoicing, but there are myriads waiting for his word. What’s a myriad? Looking it up, I found that it can mean a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. It can also mean ten thousand. Interesting! And, can you hear his voice, echoing again and again through eternity?
Scriptures for this song:
Exodus 13:21-22 Note the reference in the verses and in the song to a pillar.
1 Nephi 22:12 When you come out of darkness, you come into the light. The light spoken of here is the Redeemer of Israel.
Various facts:
Original text by Joseph Swain (1761-1796_
Text adapted by William W. Phelps (1792-1872)
Music by Freeman Lewis (1780-1859)
The story behind the song:
Joseph Swain was an English man who was converted to Christianity and became a Baptist minister. W.W. Phelps revised the text that Swain wrote, enhancing the imagery and adapting it to fit more soundly with LDS theology.
The song is a comparison between the Children of Israel and followers of Christ today. In the first verse, Christ is praised as our invincible redeemer, next as our shepherd and protector, and finally as the millennial Messiah. Note the grand vision portrayed of his heavenly glory in the sixth verse.
I am doing a little research online to find these things out. I also have a book entitled "Our Latter-day Hymns The Stories and the Messages" by Karen Lynn Davidson from which I am finding information on these songs. If you want more info, the aforementioned book and the internet search engines can get you much more than the little bit I shared.
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