I like this definition of a hymn: Hymnologist Erik Routley once defined hymns as “songs for unmusical people to sing together . . . [and] such poetry as unliterary people can utter together.” At first, this might seem to exult in the lack of artistry. But Routley was actually writing to appreciate the remarkable skill …
Tag Archives: hymn
Would we not give earth’s fairest toys away?
Some words to pause amid life’s fleeting pursuits,and reflect beyond the grave. Sometimes amid the hurry, toil and strife, The claims, the urgencies, the whirl of life; The soul, perhaps in silence of the night – Has flashes – transient intervals of light. When things to come, without a shade of doubt. In terrible reality …
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Rock of Ages (Ruth Buchanan version)
A couple of reasons why I appreciate this arrangement: It’s very singable. Cheryl and I first heard this at YLC conference, and picked it up reasonably quickly. It matches the words better. In my opinion, Thomas Hasting’s original “Toplady” tune and Richard Redhead’s Petra variation both sound a bit too bright and chirpy, compared with the …