“Sing, Sing, Ye Saints”

I attend Mormon Sacrament Meetings on an irregular basis. In our Ward the music is a bit problematic. There seems to be an emphasis on singing a wider variety of hymns. This frequently causes problems for both the organist and the chorister. Frequently, songs that are intended to be sung vigorously end up sounding like funeral dirges.

In the old days, when Sunday School was completely separated from Sacrament Meeting, we used to practice singing the hymns as a part of Sunday School. This expercise was useful and allowed us to get acquainted with a wider variety of tunes. It was also sort of a fun exercise, particularly if you had an animated chorister. Another problem is: Over the years many of the more passionate Protestant hymns have been eliminated from the hymnal. For example, my father alleged that they sang “An Old Rugged Cross” in New England, when he was on his mission. I always loved Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress.” This has left us with difficult and dull hymns. I think most Mormons would agree; something needs to be done about the music.

Music in our Ward can be very beautiful. We have several very gifted pianists and, at least one, excellent violinist. Our choir is wonderful and it is a joy to listen to them as they frequently provide interludes.

In my adventures, I have attended the meetings of several other denominations. At a Southern Baptist meeting in Salt Lake City, the gospel songs have energized me. At a community church in the Denver suburbs, the music was more of the pop genre, complete with drums and electric guitars. At a service in Copacabana, Boliva, the priest performed the mass as a folk opera. None of these deviations seemed to interfere with the solemnity of the occasion. For those who doubt the latter statement, rent the DVD “New York Doll” and listen to Buster Poindexter’s versions of Mormon hymns; they are quite touching.

Many churches provide a choice of services: modern or traditional. I have a few suggestions for popular tunes that might work in a “modern” Sacrament Meeting:

“When God Made Me” by Neil Young

Was He thinking about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was he thinkin bout my religion
And the way I worshipped him?
Did he create just me in his image
Or every living thing?
When God made me When God made me

This song/hymn is important because it encourages members to think globally. After all, in a few years, there will be more members in Third World countries than in the US, Canada, and Europe. It also helps members dealing with racial and other diversity issues formulate a wider, more compassionate, view.

“Put a Little Love in Your Heart” by Jackie DeShannon

Think of your fellow man
Lend him a helping hand
Put a little love in your heart
You see its getting late
Oh, please don’t hesitate
Put a little love in you heart

This little ditty, not only encourages us to help our fellow man, but also has an Apocalyptic message (“You see its getting late”) which will resonate with more conservative members.

“Eleanor Rigby” by Paul McCartney

Eleanor Rigby died in church and was buried along with her name;
Nobody came.
Father McKenzie, wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the grave;
No one was saved.
All the lonely people, where do they all come from?
All the lonely people, do they all belong?

This somber song written by a Beatle, would help us feel more empathy for the “lonely people” of the world and particularly our Ward. If “Father” is problematic, perhaps we could get permission to change it to “Elder” or “Bishop.”

“Image” by John Lennon

Image all the people
Living life in peace
You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one

This tune, while a bit left of center, encourages us to remember the high utopian standards of the United Order. It also encourages us to dream, which can’t be all bad.

“Spirit in the Sky” by Norman Greenbaum

When I die and they lay me down to rest
I’m going to the place that’s the best
When they lay me down to die
Going up to the spirit in the sky

Even though Norman is reputed to be Jewish, this song frequently mentions Jesus. It is also very optimistic about the afterlife . . . think Celestial Kingdom (“the place that’s the best”).

I think the soulful sound of “Eleanor Rigby” pairs well with upbeat feelings generated by Jackie Deshannon’s ditty. “Spirit in the Sky” and “Image” go well together. I’m still working on possible Sacrament songs. Perhaps George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord.”