Lyrics

So, I'm going to attempt to write a hymn. Here is my first try at lyrics.

I love thee, Lord, and thank thee,
Thank thee for my blessings abundant.
Grateful for joy, for peace, and to be free.

I worship thee, Lord, and praise thee,
Praise thee for thine atoning sacrifice.
Thankful that thou died for all and for me.

I adore thee, Lord, and need thee,
Need thee to show me thy way.
Needful of thy grace, Spirit, and mercy.

So . . . I have no idea what key to put it in, whether to write a chorus, or how I'm going to figure out parts for 4-part harmony, but lyrics are one step in the write direction! I'm thinking 4/4, but I don't even know that either. Right now, I have it plotted to have each line of text take up 10 beats. So, to make it fit 4/4 or 3/4 (I'm not going to touch any others!) I'd have to stretch some of the words out even more, or shrink I suppose.

Any suggestions? Any advice? On the lyrics or on how to compose music? Do you know of helpful websites that teach why it would be better to choose C major versus . . . E major or something? I'm going to stay away from minor I think. I'm so ignorant. Sigh.

Comments

  1. You are amazing and talented!

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  2. I don't know why I had to post as anon. but I want you to know I am your mother!
    Love, Mom

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  3. How about having it fit one of the common meters of the hymns in the hymnbook, then we can sing it to any of the hymns with that same meter. Just an idea :)

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  4. That's great meems! You'll figure it out. I can't wait to hear it!

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  5. No advice on hymn writing, I don't know much about composing.

    RYC: I'm not any part Hawaiian, I just like to pretend I am. I took some classes at BYU, but that was 4+ years ago and without regular use, I've mostly forgotten it all except, "O Momi, ko'u inoa. Hele au i ke kula nui o BYU" (except I don't really go to BYU anymore.)

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  6. I usually start with lyrics and a melody...the key just has to be whatever fits the melody! It's somewhat flexible, as you can shift up or down to make it more comfortable or easier to play, but some keys will sound better than others. My suggestion is to just start singing your lyrics until you find a pattern and sound that fits. Usually the accented words or syllables are on longer or higher notes, more like speaking. That helps it sound natural and fits easier to music. If you figure out a melody you like and get stuck, let me know, and maybe we can play around with it one of these days :)

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  7. Thanks, Meg! That is great advice. I may definitely take you up on that. :)

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