Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Album: Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection (1834)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • For over 100 years the Reverend Henry Lyte was best known for writing the classic hymn "Abide With Me." He is now probably better known as the author of this hymn of praise, whose popularity was enhanced by Queen Elizabeth choosing it for her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh, on November 20, 1947. It remains a popular choice at weddings and funerals.
  • The hymn, written by Lyte for his congregation, is a rendering of Psalm 103, which begins, "Praise the Lord, O my soul!" The tune was published it in his 1834 collection of hymns, The Spirit of the Psalms, whose purpose, as the title indicates, was not to provide a literal paraphrase of the psalms but rather to capture their underlying spirit and make them genuine acts of Christian worship.
  • The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten where this hymn was sung took place on November 20, 1947, 150 years to the day after the death of Henry Francis Lyte.
  • "Praise, My Soul" was also played during the 2018 funeral of former US. President George H. W. Bush.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.