This is by one of the lesser known St Louis Jesuits, Tim Manion. A setting of Ps 26 it is up against it because it was written before the illogical “Yahweh” ban – incidentally the ban reminds me of the Jehovah scene in Life of Brian. I suppose to replace Yahweh you’d need “Lord God” but it doesn’t work well. Hurd’s setting (AOV 2/14) is the one we use and is a rousing energetic psalm, whereas this is more relaxed and reflective. I suppose it depends what you are after.
The original can be heard here with all the lovely harmonies that remind of the Mitchell Trio. This is a very nice version on Youtube by DD on vocal and guitar.
Refrain
To You, Yahweh, I lift up my soul O my God.
To You, Yahweh, I lift up my soul, O my God.Verse 1
Yahweh, show your ways to me.
Teach me Your paths and
Keep me in the ways of Your truth,
For You are the God that saves me.Refrain
Verse 2
The Lord is so good, so holy.
Sinners find the way,
And in all that is right He guides the humble.
The poor he leads in His pathways.Refrain
Verse
All day long I hope in Your goodness.
Remember Your love,
The love that You promised long ago.
And the kindness that you gave from of old.Refrain
© Tim Manion and New Dawn Music 1976.
do you have the chords for accoustic guitar?
thanks stephen
Apart from getting the whole the As One Voice Collection, OCP sell it as a single sheet.
They have a sample to view here:
http://cdn.ocp.org/shared/pdf/preview/22621z2.pdf
I am a non-Catholic, so practically speaking I don’t have to abide by the ban on saying or singing “Yahweh” in public worship. Still, I recognize the sensibilities that led to the decision. I agree with the comment that “Lord God” doesn’t flow as well with the music as written, which is beautiful. I might suggest another way to use the refrain and still abide by the ban: “Father” works well in that place; “Jesus” works well; “Spirit” works well. This also applies in the one place “Yahweh” occurs in verse one. Yes, it’s bringing New Testament terms into an Old Testament psalm, but the song was a paraphrase to begin with, not a strict translation. I doubt I’m the first person to think of this adjustment.
An excellent suggestion, Arden.
Geoff