The following arrangements use an original tune, and are guided by the following principles:
- Appropriate speed/tempo
- Congregational key that is easier to sing (usually this involves being transposed down a tone (or more) from most arrangements in hymn books)
- Very simple arrangements of chords, that will work in a contemporary style, with guitar and/or keyboard
- Modernisation of words, so that people can more easily understand what they are singing
- I love the idea of singing the exact same words that people have sung for years, and that people have memorised from their youth; But I would love more, for people (including new generations!) to understand clearly what they are singing, and therefore be able to sing every word passionately!
- Changing or adding words (and sometimes verses) to make the meaning clear or accurate to scripture
- Choosing verses carefully (including dropping verses) so that the meaning is clear, accurate, and not lost
- I'm sure some will be upset at words being changed, (especially Christmas carols!), however, it is my desire that clarity and truthfulness be upheld. It is also interesting to note that the common words sung are sometimes different to the original words anyway. Eg. O Come All Ye Faithful was originally written as O Come All You Faithful, and Hark The Herald Angels Sing was originally titled Hark, How All The Welkin Rings (It was changed against Wesley's wishes!).
Feel free to share your suggestions and requests for any other songs or piano versions.
| Hymn arrangements are free,
however, if you'd like to make a donation to support the ministry of this website, it would be very appreciated! |
| Lyrics | Scores | ppt | Audio demo * | Cleared for use in: | Original song | ||||
| lead |
other | full song | OZ | USA | UK | ||||
| Angels From The Realms Of Glory |  |
 |
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 |
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|
original | ||
| Angels We Have Heard On High |  |
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|
original | |||||
| Away In A Manger (Kirkpatrick) |
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|
original | |
| Away In A Manger (Murray) |
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|
original | |
| God Rest You Merry | |
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|
original | |
| Hark The Herald Angels Sing | |
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|
original | |
| Joy To The World | |
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|
original | |
| O Come All You Faithful | |
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|
original | ||
| Silent Night |
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|
original | ||
| The First Noel | |
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|
original | |
* audio demos (at this
stage) are just basic recordings to give you an idea of a possible
arrangement.
At the moment they are basically one take of guitar, drums, and voice.
At the moment they are basically one take of guitar, drums, and voice.
To use the arrangements above, the original lyrics and original tunes need to be out of copyright (ie. in the public domain) in the country where you wish to use the music. Copyright laws vary greatly. However, music enters the public domain 70 years after the death of the author in most countries.
You may find this useful:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Copyright_law_by_country
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain
To help, in the table above I've indicated whether the songs are cleared for use in Australia, America, and the United Kingdom.
Click here for a summary of the copyright laws in these three areas.
There is, however, copyright in these arrangements. Please feel free to use these songs in your church! But please report all photocopying and usage to CCLI.
If you have any difficulty reporting your usage to CCLI please let me know.