Sally DeFord Music
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I Thank Thee, Dear Father/Away in a Manger

MP3 Recording featuring vocals by Angie Jack :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download    CD: If I Had Been in Bethlehem
MP3 Accompaniment Track :   Hi-speed    Dialup    Download    CD: If I Had Been in Bethlehem--Accompaniment Tracks

View/print sheet music:     SATB

    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.  This arrangement should be relatively easy for ward choirs to learn, as the tune is familiar, and the range is limited and fairly comfortable.  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.

      Lyrics:

      I thank thee dear Father in Heaven above
      For thy goodness and mercy, thy kindness and love
      I thank thee for home, friends and parents so dear
      And for every blessing that I enjoy here

      For the power of the priesthood restored unto man
      For thy beautiful temples to bless every land
      For the gospel of gladness, good tidings of peace
      I lift up my voice in this anthem of praise

      For the counsel of prophets in all that I do
      For the Spirit to guide me and witness of truth
      For the Savior who willingly suffered for me
      I gratefully offer my thanks unto thee

      Please help me be good, kind and gentle today
      To honor my Savior and follow his way
      In the dear name of Jesus, so loving and mild
      I ask thee to bless me and keep me thy child