As we are approaching March and nearing St. Patrick’s Day, we often think about Irish music in it’s various forms. In this article I will list three hymns of Irish origin.
- Be Thou My Vision
Perhaps the most famous Irish hymn is Be Thou My Vision. The melody of this song is Slane, a folk song of Irish origin. It’s named after Slane Hill where in 433 AD St. Patrick lit a fire in honor of Easter and in defiance of High King Logaire’s decree that noone should light fires before his pagan holiday was celebrated. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick’s devotion that, despite his defiance, he let him continue his mission work. This is a favorite hymn because the melody is not only beautiful, but the words are a beautiful prayer.
Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art.
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night, Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
- King of Love My Shepherd Is
The hymn tune is St. Columbia, an ancient Irish melody. A fact of interest: This hymn was sung at the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales, in West Minster Abbey, London. The lyrics focus on Christ being our Shepherd. Some of the text comes directly from Psalm 23
The King of love my Shepherd is, Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His And He is mine forever.
- Morning Has Broken
This song has been song by many secular singers including Cat Stevens in 1971. The English text by author Eleanor Farjoen, were first published in1931. The text is set to a Gaelic tune known as Bunessan.
Morning has broken, like the first morning Blackbird has spoken, like the first bird
Praise for the singing, praise for the morning Praise for them springing fresh from the word.
There you have some information about some famous beautiful Irish hymns.
Have a wonderful March reflecting on all things Irish.