[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
Hymns and sacred songs beloved around the world.
Hymns and sacred songs are known as songs that praise the Christian God, but in Japan—where many people are Buddhist—their recognition is by no means high.
There are many excellent pieces, but the difficulty is that they can be hard to find.
This time, we’ve picked out some famous works among hymns and sacred songs.
We also explain in detail the background of each piece and the meaning of the lyrics, so even those without prior knowledge of hymns and sacred songs can enjoy it.
How about soothing a heart worn down by daily stress with hymns and sacred songs?
Please sit back and enjoy!
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[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (41–50)
You Raise Me UpCeltic Woman
“You Raise Me Up” is a song released in 2002 by the British musical duo Secret Garden.
In Japan, the cover version by the Irish female group Celtic Woman is well known.
Although the lyrics do not explicitly mention God by name, looking at the song as a whole, it’s clear that it is addressed to God.
This is because the lyrics include references drawn from the Bible and phrases commonly found in hymns.
While it differs from traditional hymns, its beautiful melody and God-praising lyrics make it a timeless classic that soothes the hearts of listeners.
I vow to thee my countryChoir of King’s College, Cambridge
If you listen to this piece, most people will probably recognize the melody as Holst’s “Jupiter.” This hymn, “I Vow to Thee, My Country,” sets a poem by Cecil Spring Rice, a British diplomat, to the tune of “Jupiter.” It is a British patriotic song and also a hymn of the Church of England.
The lyrics speak of loyalty to one’s homeland and an ideal nation, and the piece is often sung at state occasions.
Hymn No. 122: “Midori mo Fukaki”Eustace Rogers Condor
This is a hymn written by Eustace Rogers Conder, an English minister and lyricist.
Composed in the 19th century, it portrays the life of Jesus Christ.
Notably, it sings of Jesus, born as the son of a carpenter, becoming the Savior.
It focuses on Jesus’s childhood and growth, the time he spent among people, and the influence of Conder’s teachings.
The lush green hills of Galilee are depicted as watching over the growth of Jesus of Nazareth, expressing the humility, truthfulness, sense of duty, and love for God and humankind that marked his life.
While the piece holds deep meaning for those of faith, it can also be enjoyed as a soothing song by those without religious beliefs.
Glory in the highestSakushi: Chāruzu Uesurē / Sakkyoku: Ferikusu Menderusuzōn
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing is a Christmas carol published in 1733.
The lyrics were written by Charles Wesley, and the music—believe it or not—was composed by the famous Romantic composer Felix Mendelssohn.
It’s a very popular hymn overseas, with artists like Mariah Carey having covered it on her albums!
At the end of the wilderness
This is a captivating number with a majestic, melancholic sound reminiscent of a Western.
It’s the song that brought singer Yuzo Yamashita to wide recognition.
Released in November 1972 as the theme for the TV period drama “Hissatsu Shikakenin,” it’s included on the album “Uta, Sono Shuppatsu” (Song, Its Departure).
In the desolate world painted by the lyricist, the protagonist’s profound inner spirit—bearing a merciless fate yet holding fast to his convictions—is conveyed through Yamashita’s richly emotive vocals.
The dramatic structure, ascending from silence to a climactic peak, is breathtaking.
It’s a soul-stirring track for those who want to immerse themselves in highly narrative music.
Hymnal, Part II, No. 219: O Holy Night (Brightly the stars are shining)Louis Adam
“Sayaka ni Hoshi wa Kirameki” is a Christmas carol composed by the French composer Adolphe Adam.
The original lyrics were written by Placide Cappeau, but in the English-speaking world it is known through John Sullivan Dwight’s very free translation, “O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining,” and in Japan it is sometimes referred to as “O Holy Night.”
God is love.Sakushi: Mitani Taneyoshi / Sakkyoku: Fushō
“God is love” is a representative work by Mitani Tanekichi, Japan’s first music evangelist.
In the 1900 Gospel Hymns it is in 9/8 time, but in the 1909 Revival Hymns and the 1967 Hymnal, Second Part, it is in 6/4 time.
In the 1958 Seika hymnal, the fourth verse is by Nakata Ugo, and the lyrics have also been altered.