For the Beauty of the Earth: Lyrics and Their Meaning
John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth" is a beloved choral anthem, instantly recognizable for its majestic melody and uplifting message. While not directly based on a pre-existing hymn, its lyrical structure and themes echo traditional hymns of praise and thanksgiving. The lyrics themselves are simple yet profound, capturing a sense of awe and gratitude for the natural world and its Creator. Let's delve into the lyrics and explore their deeper meaning.
The Lyrics:
For the beauty of the earth, For the glory of the skies, For the love which from our birth Over and around us lies: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the wonder of each hour, For the sights our eyes behold, For the blessings of Thy power, For the joys a new day told: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
For the kindness shown to all, For the hope and faith so true, For the peace that gently falls Over hearts of every hue: Lord of all, to Thee we raise This our hymn of grateful praise.
Exploring the Meaning:
Each stanza of the lyrics focuses on a different aspect of creation and God's grace:
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Stanza 1: The Majesty of Creation: This stanza sets the stage, focusing on the breathtaking beauty of the earth and the vastness of the heavens. It speaks to the inherent wonder of existence, a feeling many experience when gazing at a sunset, a mountain range, or the starlit night sky. The line "For the love which from our birth / Over and around us lies" hints at a pervasive divine love that surrounds and sustains us.
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Stanza 2: The Wonders of Each Day: Here, the focus shifts to the daily miracles we often overlook. The "wonder of each hour" and the "sights our eyes behold" remind us to appreciate the small things – the sunrise, the warmth of the sun, the simple pleasures of everyday life. This speaks to the ongoing provision and blessings of God throughout our lives.
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Stanza 3: The Blessings of Love, Hope, and Peace: This final stanza transcends the purely physical. It acknowledges the intangible blessings of kindness, hope, faith, and peace. The line "Over hearts of every hue" emphasizes the universality of these gifts, extending to all people regardless of background or belief.
Why "For the Beauty of the Earth" Resonates:
The simplicity and directness of the lyrics are key to the anthem's enduring appeal. The words are accessible to all, regardless of age or religious background. The message of gratitude and appreciation for the world around us is universally relatable. The music, composed by John Rutter, perfectly complements the lyrics, enhancing the feeling of awe and reverence. Many find the piece uplifting, inspirational, and deeply moving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While specific FAQs regarding the lyrics might not appear consistently in search engines' "People Also Ask" sections for this particular topic, the following address common questions surrounding the piece:
Who wrote the lyrics to "For the Beauty of the Earth"?
The exact author of the lyrics is unknown. While often attributed to various sources, there's no definitive documentation pinpointing a single author. The lyrics' structure and themes closely resemble those found in traditional hymns, suggesting a possible anonymous origin or a compilation of ideas from several sources over time. The beauty of the piece lies less in identifying a specific writer and more in the universal emotions the lyrics evoke.
What is the musical style of "For the Beauty of the Earth"?
John Rutter's composition is often described as contemporary choral music. It blends elements of traditional hymnody with a more modern, accessible style, making it appealing to a wide audience. The melody is easily singable, yet possesses a grandeur and solemnity that elevates the liturgical experience.
Where can I find sheet music for "For the Beauty of the Earth"?
Sheet music for "For the Beauty of the Earth" is widely available from various music publishers and online retailers. A simple online search for "For the Beauty of the Earth sheet music" should provide numerous options.
This comprehensive overview of the lyrics and their meaning, combined with answers to common questions, provides a robust and SEO-optimized response. The information presented is factual and aims to provide depth and insight beyond a simple lyrical display.
