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.
Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
From his lighthouse evermore,
But to us he gives the keeping
Of the lights along the shore.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing,
For the lights along the shore.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother;
Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor,
In the darkness may be lost.
Let the lower lights be burning;
Send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman
You may rescue, you may save.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy paints a vivid picture of the religious concept of divine guidance and human responsibility. The lyrics present a metaphorical depiction of God's mercy and guidance as a lighthouse that guides travelers through their journey in life. Acknowledging the limits of human perception, the song emphasizes the importance of keeping the lights burning along the shore, reminding those who see them of the presence of God's mercy.
The song then shifts its focus to the responsibility of human beings to keep their lamps trimmed and lit, alerting those in need of their help. The metaphor of the seafarer struggling in the darkness of the night of sin depicts the struggles of human beings with their own morality and the external challenges they face. The song urges the listeners to be vigilant and help those in need, highlighting the Christian values of community, compassion, and charity.
Overall, the song's theme is one of guidance, responsibility, and hope. It speaks to the power of faith to guide individuals through challenges, but also to the importance of human intervention and community support. It highlights the shared responsibility of human beings to be a light to those in need.
Line by Line Meaning
Brightly beams our Father's mercy
Our Heavenly Father's kindness shines brightly like a beacon of light from his lighthouse above, guiding and watching over us.
But to us he gives the keeping Of the lights along the shore.
God has entrusted us with the responsibility of shining his light in the world and helping others who may be lost or struggling.
Let the lower lights be burning; Send a gleam across the wave.
We should strive to keep our own lights burning brightly and share God's love and mercy with others who are lost in the darkness.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman You may rescue, you may save.
By shining our lights and sharing God's love, we may be able to help and save those who are lost or struggling in life.
Dark the night of sin has settled; Loud the angry billows roar.
The world can be a scary and difficult place, filled with sin, darkness and chaos.
Eager eyes are watching, longing, For the lights along the shore.
People are looking for hope and guidance, longing for someone to help them find their way and show them the path to salvation.
Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed, Trying now to make the harbor, In the darkness may be lost.
We are called to do all that we can to help others find their way to safety, even if our own lights may be small or weak.
Contributed by Jasmine K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Noura TEMAURIURI
Merci pour ce merveilleux chant.β€οΈβ€οΈ
ekundayo williams
Brightly Beams our Father's mercy! Amazing Song!!
andy neill
Beautiful music, beautiful video, thank you π
Francesco Abbo
AngelicVoice thank you God bless Tabernacle choir
Robert Blackman
Beautiful thank you β€οΈπ―
Bonang Sejesho
Great and beautiful
ildenete
Amo meu Pai Celestial!
Charmaine Beverly Coleman
Thanks for this powerful rendition, I really love this song.
Ruth Tautuaa
This is a favorite hymn for me.
Judith Coleman
Beautiful..thank Jesus..Amen β€οΈππΎ