One familiar melody that resonates in the hearts of many is “The Lord is My Shepherd.” Beyond its serene notes lies a profound depth that makes it the perfect song choice for a funeral.
Why “The Lord is My Shepherd” Stands Out:
Often overlooked in discussions about funeral songs, “The Lord is My Shepherd” is a hidden gem cherished by many. While widely recognized for its comforting verses, the hymn boasts an extraordinary blend of solace and hope. According to a survey conducted by Funeral Songbook, it ranks among the top 10 most requested funeral songs, emphasizing its timeless appeal. The soothing melody, coupled with the reassurance embedded in its lyrics, provides a source of solace that transcends religious boundaries, offering a moment of unity for mourners.
The hymn saw a dramatic increase in popularity due to the UK sitcom The Vicar of Dibley where The Lord is my Shepherd is used as the ever-popular theme tune. This opened the song up to a completely new demographic and has led to it becoming one of the most recognisable melodies (if not the accompanying lyrics) in the catalogue.
Is it just for religious funerals?
The song draws inspiration from Psalm 23, a text steeped in centuries of wisdom and comfort. The profound connection to ancient traditions and timeless wisdom infuses the hymn with a sense of continuity, linking past, present, and future. The lyrical resonance transcends the boundaries of religious affiliations, making it an inclusive choice for diverse funeral ceremonies.
The Lord is my Shepherd Lyrics (Traditional Version)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies;
Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
The Lord is my Shepherd Lyrics (Howard Goodall Version)
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil,
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil,
For you are with me,
You will comfort me
For you are with me,
You will comfort me,
Comfort me.
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want,
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures,
He leadeth me beside the still waters.
Surely goodness and mercy,
shall follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Forever
Forever
Forever