Ecclesiastes 1: 9
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.
My first TFTD contribution, published in March 2022, was based on a family meal conversation about older and modern hymns. I was a little surprised to see a recent social media discussion about the same subject, with strong views on both sides. Comments mentioned monotonous tunes and repetitive wording.
As a non-contributor to that discussion, I was amused because after over 80 years of church attendance, the criticisms about some new hymns could also be levelled at some older hymns. Of course, I assumed (perhaps wrongly) that some critics had little association with older hymns or choruses, sometimes called one-verse hymns.
I am sure we all have, and are entitled to, our own opinions about today’s “church” music. I know how easily I may be distracted by lovely harmony or a key change, an unusual musical introduction or arrangement between verses. I try not to be critical (still a challenge sometimes when listening at home), but one thing I try to do is concentrate on the words.
I was reminded of my Dad, who was not keen on the repetition of the chorus in some hymns and would sometimes request a change of tune. This served two purposes: firstly, to avoid the constant repetition, but also because it encouraged the congregation to concentrate on the words, rather than sing a familiar hymn almost without realising what was being sung. The option to change a tune, of course, is seldom possible with most of today’s songs.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. AMEN