The Lyrics of Forever King!

Tonight I wanted to take a look at the piece we'll be singing this Sunday, "Forever King!" by Dan Forrest. We’ve sung through this piece the last couple rehearsals, and there’s a lot to focus on as we sing – varying time signatures, rise and fall in dynamics, come in on the third of the key – and while we’re getting the words out, it seems the lyrics go by in the blink of an eye. There’s no time to really reflect on what I think is a great text by Johanna Anderson. So tonight I wanted to read it so that we can take an extra moment and reflect:

(Verse 1, The question:)

Who is God, that we should praise him? Who is He, that we should sing?

Who is this exalted savior crowned the everlasting king?

Why fall at his feet in worship, Alleluias to Him bring?

(Verse 2, The answer:)

Architect of every atom, Author of each passing hour,

Chief of all the changing seasons, Maker of each field and flower,

Speaking all into existence, God of Majesty and Power!

(Verse 3, Creation’s response:)

Morning stars, all sing together, Shout for joy, you saints of God,

Rocks and stones, O be not silent, Streams and rivers, Give Him laud!

Clouds that frame the dome of heaven, Sound your thunder and applaud!

(Verse 4, Our response:)

Can creation fail to praise him? How can we refuse to sing?

Come, fall at His feet in worship, Alleluias to Him bring!

Reigning in eternal brightness, Crown our Christ forever King!

Pretty cool text, right? And now that we’ve had a chance to reflect on it, let’s continue to focus on the details of the piece, so the lyrics get the setting they deserve. Yup, that means: Pay attention to the varying time signatures, the rise and fall in dynamics, and men on verse two, let’s come in on the third of the key.

Okay, let’s bow our heads. Father, Maker of each field and flower, we bring our Alleluias to you tonight. Be with us tonight as we rehearse, and through the coming weeks as we sing. We crown you Forever King, Lord. Amen.