“Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms” is a popular Irish folk song with lyrics written by the Irish poet Thomas Moore. It was first published in 1808 as part of a collection of Moore’s works called “Irish Melodies.” The lyrics of the song are based on a poem by the Irish poet Anne Boleyn (c. 1747–1801).
The melody is traditional Irish, and it is often performed as a slow air or a ballad. The song expresses themes of love, fidelity, and the enduring nature of true affection. Over the years, it has been recorded by many artists and remains a beloved classic in the folk music repertoire.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Come not in terror, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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“Library Lawn and Chapel; Pembroke College” | James Hart Dyke b. 1966
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka,
they make it a place of springs;
the autumn rains also cover it with pools.
They go from strength to strength,
till each appears before God in Zion.
Hear my prayer, Lord God Almighty;
listen to me, God of Jacob.
Look on our shield, O God;
look with favor on your anointed one.
Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.
The hymn is based on a German poem titled “Wir pflügen und wir streuen,” which was written by Matthias Claudius (1740-1815), a German poet and journalist. The poem first appeared in 1782 as part of a larger work, “Paul Erdmann’s Fest,” which was a fictional account of a harvest festival.
Harmonization of the Tune: “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” is set to the tune “Old Hundredth,” which is one of the most well-known hymn tunes and dates back to the 16th century. Vaughan Williams created a notable harmonization of this tune for the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. His arrangement brought a fresh and majestic quality to the already beloved hymn, making it suitable for grand ceremonial occasions.
Orchestration for the Coronation Service: Vaughan Williams not only harmonized the hymn but also orchestrated it for a full choir and orchestra for the coronation service. This orchestration enhanced the hymn’s grandeur and was used during the recessional at the end of the service, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees and listeners.
Influence on Hymnody: Vaughan Williams’ work on “All People That on Earth Do Dwell” is part of his broader impact on hymnody. Through his contributions, including this specific harmonization and orchestration, he helped to elevate and modernize hymn singing within the Anglican tradition and beyond.
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