“…speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,” Ephesians 5:19
Where Did That Song Come From?
By Shannon Pederson
Many of the songs we know and love began as hymns or spirituals. They have been around for many years and remained popular due to the timeless messages they convey. Here are just a few.
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” (also known as “America”) is a patriotic hymn written by Samuel F. Smith in 1832. The melody traveled around Europe in several variations, including “God Save the King.” Even Beethoven and Haydn used the music in some of their own compositions.
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” was the lyrical result of Smith’s drive to create a national hymn for the United States. In about 30 minutes on a rainy day, he wrote the now classic anthem. The first three verses encourage and invoke national pride, while the last verse was specifically reserved as a petition to God for His continued favor and protection of the United States of America.
Many of the songs we know and love began as hymns or spirituals. They have been around for many years and remained popular due to the timeless messages they convey. Here are just a few.
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” (also known as “America”) is a patriotic hymn written by Samuel F. Smith in 1832. The melody traveled around Europe in several variations, including “God Save the King.” Even Beethoven and Haydn used the music in some of their own compositions.
“My Country ‘Tis of Thee” was the lyrical result of Smith’s drive to create a national hymn for the United States. In about 30 minutes on a rainy day, he wrote the now classic anthem. The first three verses encourage and invoke national pride, while the last verse was specifically reserved as a petition to God for His continued favor and protection of the United States of America.
Our fathers’ God to Thee,
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
Author of Liberty,
To thee we sing,
Long may our land be bright
With Freedom’s holy light,
Protect us by thy might
Great God, our King.
The unofficial anthem of New Orleans, "When the Saints Go Marching In," has come to characterize the city known as the birthplace of jazz. The song originated as a 19th century Protestant hymn and remains a message of revelation and redemption. The hymn was a favorite instrumental in funerals during the early 1900s. It was played as a rousing, hand-clapping parade song in the South to reawaken thoughts of life in mourners returning from funerals.
In 1939 Louis Armstrong transformed the spiritual into the timeless jazz tune of today.
In 1939 Louis Armstrong transformed the spiritual into the timeless jazz tune of today.
Up there I’ll see the Savior
Who redeemed my soul from sin;
With extended hand he’ll greet me
When the Saints go marching in.
Who redeemed my soul from sin;
With extended hand he’ll greet me
When the Saints go marching in.
He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” was born in the fields of the American south. The story of this unforgettable song is intertwined in the history of America itself. It was written by a slave whose name we will never know. That man or woman likely experienced more trouble and suffering than any person in the modern age. He or she was not considered human by a society that viewed bondage as a necessary evil. So, the writer of this hymn was not in charge of the present and had no control over the future. The slave owner could beat him or her to death, and there would be no punishment. Or he could sell him or her on an auction block on a minute’s notice. Yet in the face of a life with no promise of freedom, this slave found solace in faith. Somehow this Christian still believed that a loving God was in charge.
First published in 1927, it became an international pop hit in 1957 in a recording by an English boy, Laurie London, and has been recorded by many other singers and choirs since then. Maybe it was one of the first songs you learned yourself.
First published in 1927, it became an international pop hit in 1957 in a recording by an English boy, Laurie London, and has been recorded by many other singers and choirs since then. Maybe it was one of the first songs you learned yourself.
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
He's got the whole world in His hands
"Michael Row the Boat Ashore" is an old American folk song that hails from the slave era. It was sung through the years and, most notably, became a popular anthem during the civil rights movement. Its existence was first noted in the early 1860s, although the song itself is probably much older. The song was mentioned in letters between teachers and abolitionists, who heard it while traveling in the south.
Most people nowadays probably only know the refrain from this traditional song. It is a simple repeat of "Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah" sung twice. The song was passed down orally long before it was ever recorded or written down. Because of this, there are many versions in circulation. Essentially, all of the lyrics describe finding God and one's family on the other side of the river in the promised land. The full song talks about crossing the River Jordan; "Michael" is the archangel Michael and is believed that he helps ferry souls of the dead to heaven.
Most people nowadays probably only know the refrain from this traditional song. It is a simple repeat of "Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah" sung twice. The song was passed down orally long before it was ever recorded or written down. Because of this, there are many versions in circulation. Essentially, all of the lyrics describe finding God and one's family on the other side of the river in the promised land. The full song talks about crossing the River Jordan; "Michael" is the archangel Michael and is believed that he helps ferry souls of the dead to heaven.
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
Michael row the boat ashore, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
Sister help to trim the sails, Hallelujah
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1-2
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” Psalm 100:1-2