Among their frequent guest artists are counter tenor Michael Chance, tenor Charles Daniels, soprano Emma Kirkby, lutenists Jacob Heringman and Christopher Wilson, and keyboardists Paul Nicholson and Timothy Roberts. They have also recorded with popular musicians Elvis Costello, Loreena McKennitt, and Robbie Williams.
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Second Service: Magnificat
Fretwork Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden
For behold, from henceforth
All generations shall call me blessed
For he that is mighty hath magnified me
And holy is his Name
And his mercy is on them that fear him
He hath showed strength with his arm
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination
of their hearts
He hath put down the mighty from their seat
And hath exalted the humble and meek
He hath filled the hungry with good things
And the rich he hath sent empty away
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his
servant Israel
As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and
to the Holy Ghost
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever
shall be, world without end
Amen
Fretwork's "Second Service: Magnificat" is a beautiful rendition of the Magnificat hymn, one of the most famous canticles in the Christian liturgy. The song's lyrics draw from the Gospel of Luke, where Mary, the mother of Jesus, recites a song of praise after being visited by the angel Gabriel. The song opens with "My soul doth magnify the Lord," which illustrates Mary's awe and wonder at the news of her impending pregnancy. The lyric "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" speaks to the joy and gratitude that Mary feels towards God.
The lyrics continue to speak about God's mercy towards those who fear him, and how he has shown strength by scattering the proud and exalting the humble. The line "He hath filled the hungry with good things / And the rich he hath sent empty away" speaks to the just and fair nature of God, who does not show favoritism towards the wealthy or powerful. The final verse praises God as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Line by Line Meaning
My soul doth magnify the Lord
My entire being glorifies and praises the Lord
And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.
And my innermost being is filled with joy and delight because of God who saves me.
For he hath regarded: the lowliness of his handmaiden
For God has shown favor to me, his humble servant.
For behold, from henceforth
Because from this moment,
All generations shall call me blessed
All people of all time will recognize the blessedness of my life and situation.
For he that is mighty hath magnified me
Because the almighty God has chosen to elevate me.
And holy is his Name
And his name is sacred and set apart.
And his mercy is on them that fear him
And his kindness and compassion are given to those who reverence and respect him.
Throughout all generations
For all time and for all people.
He hath showed strength with his arm
He has demonstrated his power and might through his actions.
He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts
He has humbled those whose pride and arrogance have filled their minds and hearts.
He hath put down the mighty from their seat
He has brought down those who hold great power and influence.
And hath exalted the humble and meek
And he has lifted up and honored those who are meek and lowly in spirit.
He hath filled the hungry with good things
He has satisfied the needs of those who hunger and thirst for goodness and righteousness.
And the rich he hath sent empty away
But those who are rich and satisfied with the things of this world will be left with nothing.
He remembering his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel
He has come to the aid of his people Israel, in keeping with his compassionate nature.
As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed, for ever
Just as he promised to our ancestors, Abraham and his descendants, for all time.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost
Praise and honor belongs to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end
As it has always been and will always continue to be, without end.
Amen
So be it.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Joanna Marsh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind