Hymn Analysis

Subject: Hymnody
Professor: Jan Hill
Student: Sein Thein
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Hymn Analysis Checklist

Title: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms (P. 333)

I. Literary Structure

A. Meter: 10.9.109. with refrain
B. Poetic Feet: Trochaic
C. Rhyme Scheme: aaaabbabba
D. Poetic Devices and Figure of Speech: Personification
E. Organization: Litany

II. Thought Content

Scripture Background: Deuteronomy 33:27
Theological Teaching: The song teaches about fellowship, blessedness peace for everlasting arms.

Direction: This song speaks to me God is my everlasting life.
Prose Summary:

Organization: Paradox

III. Musical Characteristics

Phrase Structure: Repetition
Melodic Movement: Up or down
Harmony: Basic Chords
Meter: simple
Rhythm: Straightforward
Counterpoint: Relation of bass line to melodic
Form: Strophic Form (AABB)

IV. Evaluative Questions Words

Are the thoughts expressed theologically sound? (yes)
Does the hymn dwell on thoughts of God, or on the mood of the singer? (yes)
Are the ideas expressed within the understanding of the average member of your congregation? (yes)
What words, term, names, phrases, if any, might need explanation? (No)
Does the poetry posses simplicity and beauty? (Yes)
Does the thoughts express spiritual reality? Would they apply to your congregation as a whole? (yes)
Are the thoughts expressed relevant? Do they avoid well-worn hymnic clichés? (Yes)
B. Music
Does it enhance the significance of the text? (yes)
Would it be within the capability of those who must sing it? ( )
C. Usage
Formal Worship
Adults
Method of presentation
Using different instruments (not only piano).

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Title: My Faith looks up to Thee (P.416)

I. Literary Structure

A. Meter: Irregular
B. Poetic Feet: Iambic tetrameter
C. Rhyme Scheme: aabccd
D. Poetic Devices and Figure of Speech: Personification
E. Organization: Litany

II. Thought Content

Scripture Background: Isaiah 45:22
Theological Teaching: The phrases teach about asking to God for faith and praying to God.
Direction: This song speaks to me God forgives me all my sins away. Jesus Christ died for me.
Prose Summary:

Organization: Paradox

III. Musical Characteristics

Phrase Structure: Repetition
Melodic Movement: Up or down
Harmony: Basic Chords
Meter: simple
Rhythm: Straightforward
Counterpoint: Relation of bass line to melodic
Form: Strophic Form (ABCCD)

IV. Evaluative Questions Words
Are the thoughts expressed theologically sound? (yes)
Does the hymn dwell on thoughts of God, or on the mood of the singer? (yes)
Are the ideas expressed within the understanding of the average member of your congregation? (yes)
What words, term, names, phrases, if any, might need explanation? (No)
Does the poetry posses simplicity and beauty? (Yes)
Does the thoughts express spiritual reality? Would they apply to your congregation as a whole? (yes)
Are the thoughts expressed relevant? Do they avoid well-worn hymnic clichés? (Yes)
B. Music
Does it enhance the significance of the text? (yes)
Would it be within the capability of those who must sing it? ( )
C. Usage
Formal Worship
Adults
Method of presentation
Using different instruments (not only piano).