Best and worst hymns?

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My dear brother in law (an Episcopal priest) was singing “I sing a song of the saints of God” and had a slight mixup, “and one was a soldier and one was a beast and one was slain by a fierce wild priest”. . .

I never to this day heard a congregation laugh so hard. . .
 
Faves:
Almighty Father Strong to Save
Be Thou My Vision
Pescador de Hombres/Lord You Have Come
Ye Sons and Daughters
Hail Holy Queen Enthroned Above

Sadly, Missing in Action from many modern hymnals:
Onward Christan Soldiers (too “militant”, I suppose, despite the Christian’s daily struggle against sin and evil.)

Not at all Awesome:
Cry of the Poor (If this dirge must be sung, perhaps during the offertory, when it can inspire a worthy response in the collection plate as it passes.)
And bouncey Christian folk festival stuff: City of God, Rain Down, Lord of the Dance, Gather us In, etc.

Cringeworthy:
Sing Us a New Church (As if there is something wrong with the old one, i.e. the one JESUS gave us.)

Worst:

Wait for it—

Remember it from our Catholic school masses in the 60s and 70s? —

Let Us Break Bread Together on Our Knees (boom, done!)

bow)
 
Wendy1989 said:
Anything to Beethoven’s 9th / Ode to Joy (it’s my jam)
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Love the tune Ode to Joy also. Back in 2010, trying to find a “better” sequence for Easter Sunday, I was reading the paraphrased lyrics in the missal at that time and while doing so the rhythmic feel spoke the Ode to Joy tune to me, so I started singing the words to this tune; and, behold it fit perfectly (last line at end repeated), rewrote it and used it.
 
SacredHeartBassist said:
Go make a difference is the absolute worst. Or any others that clap
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Interesting thread. Taken at a moderate (not to fast) tempo, our congregation will stay for this Closing Song and start clapping almost immediately. To me, the words speak volumes of the world around us today and our Gospel teaching to “Go make a difference…” and, the fact that people clap during any closing song is just fine with me: to be uplifted and glad in rejoicing, clapping or not.

And, oh, just to be clear about my musical choices to blend styles…yes, we will open with Holy, Holy, Holy next weekend for Trinity Sunday.
 
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bobperk said:
My parish has sung “Battle Hymn” on a couple of occasions, the Sunday closest to either Veterans Day, 4th of July or Memorial Day. Love it!
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Bob, I have mixed feelings about this Hymn. I like the tune, but don’t like the title (maybe that’s why some hymnals now title it, "Mine Eyes Have Seen), and the lyrics of “his terrible swift sword.” All in all, negative, especially in the world in such turmoil and war today. I just cannot program it in as a closing on any secular patriotic weekend. But, that’s me.
 
Favorites:

Be Thou My Vision
How Great Thou Art
Holy God We Praise Thy Name
I’d Rather Have Jesus
Give Me Jesus
Come Thou Font of Every Blessing
Beneath Thy Compassion
I Know who Holds Tomorrow
Holy, Holy, Holy
Wayfaring Stranger

Obviously, not all of these are suitable for Catholic liturgy, but these are among my favorites.
 
I’m glad they played Ave Maria at the Royal Wedding today. No singing mind you–suspect the words would be “too” religious/Marian these days for them.
 
“Here I am, Lord” is my favorite hymn. And anything with a Celtic origin is usually great. And “Immortal Invisible God only wise” is another great one that not many people know.

EDIT: HOW COULD I HAVE FORGOTTEN JERUSALEM
 
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Limoncello4021 said:
suspect the words would be “too” religious/Marian these days for them.
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Curious: what do you mean by “too” religious / Marian these days for them? The Church of England, as far as I know, recognizes and celebrates Mary during the year, but not as an intercessor.
 
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I love The Battle Hymn of the Republic for a patriotic day, too.
 
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rondirect said:
nteresting thread. Taken at a moderate (not to fast) tempo, our congregation will stay for this Closing Song and start clapping almost immediately. To me, the words speak volumes of the world around us today and our Gospel teaching to “Go make a difference…” and, the fact that people clap during any closing song is just fine with me: to be uplifted and glad in rejoicing, clapping or not.
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I’ve also seen the congregation really getting into “Go Make a Difference” when it’s used as a closing hymn. It’s easy to sing, which is very helpful. Kids were bouncing in the pews, the whole bit. I am not sure why anyone would object to a song that gets people so engaged. Clapping’s great in my mind, it is a sign of engagement as opposed to “when is this going to end so I can slip out.”
 
Favorite: Be Thou My Vision
Least Favorite: Companions on the Journey (one of our old music directors was obsessed with it… played once or twice every month)
 
I have too many favourite hymns but a few include Be Thou My Vision, The King of Love My Shepherd is, All People That on Earth do Dwell, Let All Mortal Flesh… I’m sure I left out lots!

My least favourite hymns… hard to say because they are not memorable. I honestly cannot remember their names. There are some hymns with a super odd sounding melody, rhythm and lyrics that makes it difficult and frustrating to sing.
 
Tis_Bearself said:
I am not sure why anyone would object to a song that gets people so engaged. Clapping’s great in my mind, it is a sign of engagement as opposed to “when is this going to end so I can slip out.”
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LOL! Each to his own I guess. God forbid that there should be such rejoicing and clapping in church and kids enjoying the music with “bouncing.” All I know is what our people like. Every Easter Sunday, I open with “Our God Reigns” at a nice, moderate, praise tempo. The standing room only of regulars and visitors cannot wait to sing and clap during the entire song and continue long after the song ends. They are so ready to celebrate! If the music ministry can set that tone, who are we to squash that enthusiasm that can only come from the joy of the Holy Spirit. There are other songs they get so engaged in as well. Now, next weekend, when we open with HHH, and they start clapping along, that might be questionable! Ha!
 
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