Psalms for All Seasons ‎#73A

73A. All My Life

Text Information

• First Line: All my life I've sung a jealous song
• Title: All My Life
• Author: Ken Medema
• Publication Date: 2012
• Scripture:
  Psalm 73
• Topic: Affliction; Angels; Biblical Names and Places: Israel; Bitterness; Boasting; Church Year: Advent; Desiring God; Discipleship; Doubt; Eternal Life; God as: Refuge; God as: King; God's: Seeing; God's: Deeds; God's: Forgiveness; God's: Goodness; God's: Nearness; God's: Presence; Grace; Hope; Humanity: Redeemed by God; Humanity: Sustained by God; Jesus Christ: Teacher; Judgment; Life Stages: Death; New Creation; Occasional Services: Funerals; Occasional Services: New Year; People of God / Church: Citizens of Heaven; Salvation; Temple; Ten Commandments: 10th Commandment (do not covet); Victory; Wisdom Psalms; Witness; Settings Especially Appropriate for Children
• Copyright: © 2010 Ken Medema Music/Briar Patch Music

Tune Information

• Name: [All my life I've sung a jealous song]
• Composer: Ken Medema
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: © 2010 Ken Medema Music/Briar Patch Music
• Notes: Ken Medema’s song captures well the twists and turns in the psalm. The opening stanzas should be sung with a touch of resentment and frustration. The second page corresponds to the turn in the psalm. Although it is through-composed, it is created by a string of rising motifs. It is intuitive and could be sung by the congregation, or it may be sung by a solo voice. The pseudo-chorale (beginning with the text “You draw me near to you . . .”) is a response that should be sung by all. If necessary, it could be sung first by a solo voice and repeated by the congregation. On the last page (beginning with the text “Now my song . . .”) we have come full circle with a return to the folk song that has been transformed into a song of trust. It should be experienced differently from the opening stanzas. Sing with joy, but more quietly and slowly.