This page is provided so that you can hear the tunes of items which we use in church. Mostly they are written by the vicar. Please note that they are copyright - we are very happy to give permission to you to use them, but we would like to hear about it. Please include any use on your Christian Copyright Licence returns.
Down this page:
- the words,
- the story,
- the sheet music.
I will praise you Lord
Because this tune is so well-known we are not providing the midi-file.
I will praise you Lord
I will praise you, Lord:
though your anger burned,
you now have comforted me.
For my ways are flawed,
yet wrath has turned,
and your merciful heart I see.
You are my Saviour: I will trust
and I will fear no more.
You make me strong,
and you are my song,
and you are my salvation sure.
I will drink my fill
from the living well
of love that washes and cleans.
For God's waters still
all drinks excel,
and they satisfy all my dreams.
Give thanks and praise to God the Lord
and call upon his name.
Let everyone
hear the good he's done,
and proclaim that he's still the same.
Words copyright © John Hartley 2007.
Suggested tune: Noel.
Story behind the song
This song arose from a request on the COIN (Christians on the Internet) music e-mail discussion list, for metrical canticles suitable for singing as part of the Easter Vigil. These verses, forming the canticle "I will praise you Lord" from Isaiah 12, is one of them. You can find the full scheme by following this link.
The tune "Noel" (an English traditional melody arranged by Sir Arthur Sullivan) is usually sung to "It came upon a midnight clear", but in this version it's necessary to sing each individual note to a separate syllable, and not slur syllables over pairs of notes as in the Christmas carol. (The lead-sheet below is simply to make this clear.)
John Hartley.
