The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
Betelehemu
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Awa yio ri Baba gbojule
Awa yio ri Baba fehinti
Nibo labi Jesu
Nibo labe bi i
Betelehemu, ilu ara
Nibe labi Baba o daju
Iyin, iyin, iyin nifun o
Baba oloreo
Iyin, iyin, iyin fun o Baba anu
Baba toda wasi
Betelehemu
The lyrics of the song Betelehemu by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir are in the Yoruba language of Nigeria. The song is a joyful proclamation of the birth of Jesus Christ and a celebration of the city of Bethlehem where He was born. The first verse, "Awa yio ri Baba gbojule, awa yio ri Baba fehinti," translates to "We will see the Father's glory, we will see the Father's handiwork." This is a reference to the belief that seeing the birth of Jesus is a glimpse of the glory and handiwork of God. The second verse, "Nibo labi Jesu, nibo labe bi i," asks the question "Where can we find Jesus? Where can we see Him?" and answers with "In Bethlehem, the town of our people."
The third verse, "Nibe labi Baba o daju, iyin, iyin, iyin nifun o," praises God for His faithfulness and for sending His Son to be born in Bethlehem. The chorus, "Adupe fun o, adupe fun o, adupe fun ojo oni," means "Thank you, thank you, thank you for this day." The song continues with praise for God's goodness and mercy, and for the wonder of the Christmas story. Overall, the song is a celebration of the birth of Jesus and an expression of gratitude and joy for the blessings of the season.
Line by Line Meaning
Betelehemu
This is Betelehemu
Awa yio ri Baba gbojule
We have seen the Father's majesty
Awa yio ri Baba fehinti
We have seen the Father's mercy
Nibo labi Jesu
Where is the birthplace of Jesus?
Nibo labe bi i
Where is he born?
Betelehemu, ilu ara
Bethlehem, city of wonder
Nibe labi Baba o daju
There lies the birthplace of the true Father
Iyin, iyin, iyin nifun o
Praises, praises, praises unto you
Adupe fun o, adupe fun o, adupe fun ojo oni
We give thanks, we give thanks, we give thanks for this day
Baba oloreo
Father of grace
Iyin, iyin, iyin fun o Baba anu
Praises, praises, praises unto you, Father of mercy
Baba toda wasi
Father of redemption
Writer(s): Via Olatunji
Contributed by David V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@schnelger
Oh man, I´m not tired to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to sing "Betelehemu", I love it!!!!
Here is the lyrics,
Betelehemu (Bethlehem)
Awa yo, a ri Baba gb’ojule (We rejoice for we have a trustworthy father)
Awa yo, a ri Baba f’eyin ti (We rejoice for we have? a dependable father)
(repeat)
Ni bo labe Jesu? (Where was Jesus born)
Ni bo labe bisi? (Where was he born?)
(Repeat)
Betelehemu iluwa la, (Bethlehem, city of wonder)
Ni bo labe Baba o daju (That is where Father was born)
Inyi, inyi, furo (Praise, praise, be to Him)
Adupe fun o, jooni, (We thank you, today)
Baba olo reo (Gracious Father)
@julianadavis1619
My high school choir did (and still does) this song every single year at the Christmas concert. This is a favorite of everyone who listens and who sings it. It’s a beautiful song
@SirNuggetsThe1st
so does mine
@Simagha
I'm Nigerian and I can't believe what a great job they did with the language. It was absolutely awesome. Loved it
@oegbedayo
wow!!!! I have never seen so many white people singing in my mother tongue!!! It is so beautiful!!!!!!!
@dylancrawford5175
My school is doin this song this year!!!!
@evelynnsegura-coria9973
Dylan Crawford me too today is when it's happening
@adriandejesushurtadoamaris7880
Wow, is it your mother tongue? it's amazing... What's it called?
@zoefang4563
My high school did this so many years ago :D Good times <3
@chrisv2617
ponmile egbedayo o
@Chechu_la
I felt the impression of the Holy Spirit while listening to this song, I cried. I feel blessed for being part of this amazing and inspired church.