LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Copyright Licensing International Evaluation

Project

Submitted in part of the requirements for completion of

WMUS 400

Tools, Techniques and Literature for Worship

By

Shannon E. Kennedy

June 16, 2023

 In Christ Alone- Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend

Thematically the concept of “In Christ Alone” is that Christ and only Christ is the source

of our hope, strength, and comfort. “In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my

strength, my song.”1 Psalm 39:7 speaks to our hope in Jesus “And now, Lord, what wait I for?

My hope is in thee.”2 This timeless song sings to the joy, hope and freedom we have in Christ

and how He paid the wrath of God for us and was scorned by the very people He came to save,

which tells of the true agape love of God. This hymn is written in a waltz like groove in ¾ time

at 145 BPM. This hymn written in the key of D Major. One distinctive of this hymn in the

arrangement presented by Getty and Townsend is the climactic key change that occurs to Eb5

when the fourth verse repeats.

The lowest note of the melody in this hymn is an A3, while the highest is an Eb5, after

the key change represented in the fourth verse repeat. With the key change the intervallic range

for this hymn is a twelfth. Congregationally in my experience, I have sung this song many times

at my church, and it has been one of phenomenal participation. This song is particularly effective

congregationally because it reinforces the truth of God, and the promises of God in our minds

and hearts.

How Great Thou Art: Stuart Wesley and Keene Hine

Thematically the lyrics of “How Great Thou Art” speak to the believer’s awe and wonder

of such a great and mighty amazing God, the God who created all things, the Maker of heaven

and Earth. This song is echoed in scripture by Psalm 86:10 “For thou art great, and doest

wonderous things. Thou art God alone.”3 God is so large, so great and so mighty, He created such

wonder and beauty on this earth for us to behold. The second verse it says, “When I look down
1
Keith Getty, Stuart Townsend. “In Christ Alone”, in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd Ed.
(Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard, 2017) 205
2
Ps. 39:7 NKJV
3
Ps. 86:10 NKJV
from the mountain grandeur and hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze, then sings my soul, oh

my Savior God to thee, how great thou art!”4 This classic hymn is originally in the key of Bb

Major and has a tempo of 72 BPM and is in 4/4 time. This hymn has a ballad like groove and

style. The distinctives for this song would be the beginning with light guitar picking, following

layering with keys and guitar.

The lowest note is a C4 and the highest note is a D5 making the intervallic value an

eighth. For a church congregation this traditional hymn would work well, it is easy for both men

and women to sing along with. “How Great Thou Art” has a beautiful message thematically of

adoration, greatness, majesty, God’s power and His second coming. This song would be a

wonderful choice for congregational use due to its singability for those not vocally trained and

for its emphasis on ascriptive worship.

How Great Is Our God: Chris Tomlin

Thematically the lyrics of “How Great Is Our God” speaks of the splendor, majesty, and

greatness of our almighty God. The first line of the first verse speaks of this saying, “The

splendor of a king, robed in majesty, let all the earth rejoice.”5 This reminds me of Psalm 145:5

“I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty. And of Thy wonderous works.”6 This song is

in the key of C Major and is in 4/4 time. “How Great is Our God” has a melodious ballad style

and groove. The distinctive of the Chris Tomlin version is the jump vocally at the end of the

second verse on the repeat of “How Great is Our God”.

The lowest note in the melody is an E3 and the highest note is an F4 giving this song an

intervallic value of an eighth. This song is a wonderful song for congregational participation and

4
Stuart, Wesley and Keene, Hine. “How Great Thou Art” in The Rejoice Hymnal. (Randall House
Publishing: Nashville, TN, 2013) 2.
5
Chris, Tomlin. “How Great is Our God” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd Ed. (Milwaukee, WI: Hal
Leonard, 2017) 167.
6
Ps. 145:5 NKJV
filled with wonderful theology that would provide excellent worship music. This song is best fit

so a male lead vocally but can be easily led in a higher key for a female lead.

I Can Only Imagine: Bart Millard

“I Can Only Imagine” presents a beautiful reflective theme on the idea of meeting Jesus

face to face. It speaks of imagining the sheer joy, awe, and amazement of finally meeting our

Lord and Savior and how one would respond. The chorus says, “Surrounded by Your glory, what

will my heart feel? Will I dance for you Jesus, or in awe of you be still? Will I stand in Your

presence, or to my knees will I fall? Will I sing hallelujah? Will I be able to speak at all? I can

only imagine.”7 The end of the chorus reminds me of Genesis 17:9 where Abram fell on his face

when God talked to him.8 This song is in the key of D and is in 4/4 meter with a BPM of 80 but

can be played double time at 160. Bart Millard had a distinctive in his performance of this song

is his reflective tone for the verses and triumphant jubilant power chorus.

The lowest note in the melody is a D3 and the highest is a B4 which makes it an

intervallic range of a thirteenth. This would prove to be a difficult congregational song due to its

tessitura for those who are not vocally trained. Although the song is wonderful and presents

theologically sound content the average voice male or female would struggle with singing along

comfortably.

Forever (We Sing Hallelujah): Kari Jobe

Thematically the lyrics of “Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)” the crucifixion and death of

Jesus and the triumph that was achieved in His resurrection and sacrifice on the cross in our

place. The final line of the pre chorus says, “Now death where is your sting, our resurrected King

7
Bart, Millard. “I Can Only Imagine” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook.2nd Ed. (Milwaukee, WI: Hal
Leonard, 2017) 179.
8
Gen. 17:9 NKJV
has rendered you defeated!”9 This theme is echoed in scripture in 1 Corinthians 15:56 “Oh death

where is thy sting? Oh grave where is thy victory?”10 This song is performed by Kari Jobe in Ab

Major and is in 4/4 time with a BPM of 144. This song has a ballad almost swing groove and

style. Kari Jobe’s distinctive in her performance of this beautiful Bethel song is her octave jump

on the final line of the second pre chorus on “Death where is your sting? Our resurrected King”.

The lowest note in the melody line is an A3 and the highest is a D5 making the intervallic

range of an eleventh. This song with consideration of congregational use would not be

recommended due to the tessitura for the average congregant. Jobe has a 1.9 octave range that is

not matched by many even in professional music production. Although the content presented

lyrically is sound the key of Ab Major would be a struggle to sing along with for the

congregation.

Even So Come: Chris Tomlin

Thematically the lyrics of “Even So Come” speak of awakening the believer to the

coming of the Lord and the Bride of Christ being prepared in waiting for His triumphant return.

The theme of preparation is seen in the lyrics of the chorus “Like a bride waiting for her groom,

we’ll be a church ready for you.”11 This song reminds me of the story from Matthew 25:5 in

scripture of the brides falling asleep while the bridegroom tarried which is really a metaphor for

Jesus and His bride the church that slumbers while we wait for His return.12 This song is in the

key of D with a 6/8 meter giving it a swing like groove and style. The BPM of this song is 81 but

can be played as well in double time at 162 BPM. One distinctive that stands out for Tomlin’s

9
Kari, Job. “Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook.2nd Ed. (Milwaukee, WI:
Hal Leonard, 2017) 99.
10
I Cor. 15:56 KNJV
11
Chris, Tomlin. “Even So Come” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook.2nd Ed. (Milwaukee, WI: Hal
Leonard, 2017) 87.
12
Matt. 25:5 NKJV
performance of this song is the dropout of most instruments on the coda which creates a very

dramatic feel.

The lowest note of the melodic line in this song is D3 and the highest is a D4 giving this

song an intervallic value of an eighth. The tessitura for this song would work well for

congregational use in addition to the wonderfully strong biblical theology of the lyrics. This song

is a great song for men and women and would be one that works very well for congressional

participation. Ministerially this song is great for a worship before a sermon regarding the Body

of Christ and believers being united ready and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom.

Oh Worship The King:William Kethe

Thematically the lyrics of “Oh Worship the King” speak of God’s glory, power, majesty,

splendor, and love. “Oh, worship the King all glorious above, and gratefully sing of His power

and love.”13 Psalm 104:1 is a scripture that comes to mind with these lyrics “Oh, Lord my God,

Thou art clothed with honor and majesty.”14 This song is written in the key of Ab Major and is

written in ¾ time at BPM of 122. This classic hymn has a very stately style and almost walt like

groove. One distinctive of the original by Kethe is the use of naturals and flats in the 7th, 8th, 10th,

and 11th measure in the alto harmony line.

In Kethe’s original hymn the lowest note in the melody line is a E4 and the highest is an

E5. That gives this classic hymn an intervallic value of an eighth. This hymn is classic psalter

that has been used congregationally for centuries. Ministerially this can be used to have the

congregation praise and worship God for His amazing attributes and intervention on our behalf.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus: Lauren Daigle

13
William, Kethe. “Oh, Worship the King” in The Rejoice Hymnal. (Randall House Publishing: Nashville,
TN, 2013) 5.
14
Ps. 104:1 NKJV
 Thematically the lyrics of “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” speak of taking our eyes off our

problems and circumstances and turning them upon Jesus and the triumph we have in His

marvelous works and the salvation and abundant life we have in Christ. The first verse of this

classic hymn speaks of this, “O soul are your weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you

see? There is a light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free.”15 The lyrics to this

song remind me of Isaiah 45:22 “look unto me, and ye be saved.”16 This hymn is in the key of F

Major with a BPM of 72 and is written in ¾ time with a swing like groove and style. A

distinctive of Daigle’s performance of this piece is the jazz feel that she adds in her rendition

through the instrumentation that amplifies and compliments the swing groove.

The lowest note in the melody line is a C4 and the highest note is a D5. This makes the

intervallic value of this song a ninth. This song works very well for congregational use its

tessitura is manageable for men and women. This hymn works very well for congregational use

as it is easy to sing along with for the congregation and it is one that can be used widely

ministerially. For ministerial uses this song works well for themes of focus on the ministry and

the gospel and taking our eyes off our present circumstances for the hope and triumph we have in

Jesus.

The Solid Rock: Edward Mote

Thematically the lyrics of “The Solid Rock” speaks of placing our hope and trust in Jesus

and His works and righteousness. The first verse says exactly this, “My hope is built on nothing

less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly trust in

Jesus name.”17 The lyrics of this hymn are echoed in scripture in Psalms 125:1 “They who trust

15
Lauren, Daigle. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” in The Rejoice Hymnal. (Randall House Publishing:
Nashville, TN, 2013) 258.
16
Is. 45:22 NKJV
17
Edward, Mote. “The Solid Rock” in The Rejoice Hymnal. (Randall House Publishing: Nashville, TN, 2013)
419.
in the Lord, cannot be removed.”18 This hymn is written in the key of G Major in ¾ meter with

BPM of 158. This classic hymn has a ballad like style and groove. One distinctive of Mote’s

hymn is the fermatas Mote uses in the eight and twelfth measures that create space and a

dramatic effect in the pause.

The lowest note in the melody line is a D4 and the highest is an D5. This song has an

intervallic value of an eighth. This song has been frequently used in congregations for over a

century and works very well for congregational participation. Ministerially this song is

theologically and thematically sound and provides a wonderful reminder of where our hope truly

lies in Christ Jesus.

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee: Henry Van Dyke

Thematically the lyrics of “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” speaks of joy, adoration, love

and praise we have for the Savior that saves us from sin and sadness. This is echoed in the

second half of verse one, “Melt the clouds of sin and sadness, drive the doubt of dark away, giver

of immortal gladness, fill us with the light of day!” 19 Psalm 145:10 in scripture speaks of this

praise, “All Thy Works shall praise Thee, O Lord.”20 This hymn is written in the key of G Major

in 4/4 meter and is a triumphant almost rock like groove for a classic hymn. One distinctive of

Van Dyke’s hymn is his use of primarily quarter notes throughout the entire hymn except for

only three dotted quarter notes and six half notes in the entire piece.

The lowest note in the melody is a G3 and the highest is a D4. The intervallic value of

this classic hymn is a fifth. This has a very conducive tessitura for congregational use. This song

can be used ministerially for many different themes and purposes but has excellent theological

doctrine all praise and worship purposes.

18
Ps. 125:1 NKJV
19
Henry, Van Dyke. “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” The Rejoice Hymnal. (Randall House Publishing:
Nashville, TN, 2013) 4.
20
Ps. 145:10 NKJV
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Daigle, Lauren. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” in The Rejoice Hymnal (Randall House
Publishing, Nashville, TN, 2013) 258.

Getty, Keith, and Townsend, Stuart. “In Christ Alone” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd.
Ed. (Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard, 2017) 205.

Job, Kari. “Forever (We Sing Hallelujah)” The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd. Ed.
(Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard, 2017) 99.
Kethe, William. “Oh, Worship the King” in The Rejoice Hymnal (Randall House Publishing,
Nashville, TN, 2013) 5.

Millard, Bart. “I Can Only Imagine” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd. Ed. (Milwaukee,
WI: Hal Leonard, 2017) 197.

Mote, Edward. “The Solid Rock” in The Rejoice Hymnal (Randall House Publishing, Nashville,
TN, 2013) 419.

Tomlin, Chris. “Even So Come” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd. Ed. (Milwaukee, WI:
Hal Leonard, 2017) 87.

Tomlin, Chris. “How Great is Our God” in The Praise and Worship Fakebook, 2nd. Ed.
(Milwaukee, WI: Hal Leonard, 2017) 167.

Van Dyke, Henry. “Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” in The Rejoice Hymnal (Randall House
Publishing, Nashville, TN, 2013) 4.

Wesley, Stuart, and Hine, Keene. “How Great Thou Art” in The Rejoice Hymnal (Randall House
Publishing, Nashville, TN, 2013) 2.