To God Be the Glory: Hymn Lyrics, Chords, and History
"To God Be the Glory" is a beloved hymn known for its simple yet powerful message of praise and thanksgiving. Its enduring popularity stems from its accessible melody and profoundly moving lyrics that resonate with believers across denominations. This post will delve into the lyrics, provide common chord voicings, explore its historical context, and offer insights into its continued relevance in modern worship.
Hymn Lyrics:
(Verse 1) To God be the glory, great things He hath done; So loved He the world that He gave us His Son, He gave us His Son; To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
(Verse 2) O perfect redemption, the purchase of love, The Spirit of power sent from the heavens above, The Spirit of power sent from the heavens above; To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
(Verse 3) His love and His mercy forever shall reign, In hearts that are humble, and banished all pain, In hearts that are humble, and banished all pain; To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
(Verse 4) (Often omitted) All glory and honor, praise and renown, Be given to Jesus, the King, and the Crown, Be given to Jesus, the King, and the Crown; To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
Common Chord Voicings (in C Major):
These chords are a suggestion; adaptations can be made to suit different vocal ranges and stylistic preferences. The melody generally sits well within the provided chord structure.
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Verse 1 & 2 & 3:
- "To God be the glory": C
- "great things He hath done": G
- "So loved He the world": Am
- "that He gave us His Son": F
- "He gave us His Son": C
- "O perfect redemption": C
- "the purchase of love": G
- "The Spirit of power": Am
- "sent from the heavens above": F
- "The Spirit of power": C
- "sent from the heavens above": G
- "His love and His mercy": C
- "forever shall reign": G
- "In hearts that are humble": Am
- "and banished all pain": F
- "In hearts that are humble": C
- "and banished all pain": G
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Chorus (repeated after each verse): C G Am F (same as above)
The History of "To God Be the Glory":
The hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, a prolific American hymn writer who composed over 8,000 hymns. She wrote the lyrics in 1875, inspired by the missionary work of her friend, William H. Doane, who also composed the tune. Doane's simple yet effective melody contributes significantly to the hymn's memorability and widespread appeal. The hymn quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in church services and gospel meetings around the world.
Enduring Relevance:
"To God Be the Glory" continues to resonate today because its message remains timeless. The core themes of God's love, redemption through Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit are central to Christian faith. Its simplicity makes it easily accessible to all ages and musical abilities, ensuring its continued use in contemporary worship settings. The hymn’s lyrical strength in expressing profound theological concepts in straightforward language ensures its ongoing relevance for generations to come.
Further Exploration:
Learning the history of hymn writers like Fanny Crosby and William H. Doane provides further context and appreciation for this timeless hymn. Researching different hymnals and their various arrangements can also broaden your understanding of this beloved song. Exploring different musical settings, from simple congregational singing to more complex choral arrangements, reveals the hymn's adaptability and enduring power.
