Since my first Church music calling as Jr. Sunday School Pianist (shows my age, eh?),"I Thank Thee, Dear Father" has been one of my favorite children's songs. The first and last verses are the original lyrics by George Careless, with the exception of this line from the last verse: "...and mind what my father and mother shall say." I figured adult choirs might well have difficulty singing that line without grins that would ruin their diction. The other two verses are my own, and I'll admit it was a bit difficult to find words that fit both adult voices and the childlike simplicity of this beautiful melody.
For something different at Christmas time, try singing this arrangement using the lyrics to "Away in a Manger." You will need to skip measures 23-45 as indicated, as "Away in a Manger" has only three verses. The lyrics are included in italics on the sheet music. |