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.
Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Christ shall guide me through the gloom
Down, He′ll send some Heav'nly convoy
To escort my spirit home
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Oh, hallelujah! That I do
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Jordan′s stream shall not o'er flow me
While my Savior's by my side
Canaan, Canaan lies before me!
Soon I′ll cross the swelling tide
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Oh, hallelujah! That I do
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Mourners, you may love Him too
See the happy spirits waiting
On the banks beyond the stream!
Sweet responses still repeating
"Jesus! Jesus!" Is their theme
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Oh, hallelujah! That I do
Hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Mourners, you may love Him too
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Oh, hallelujah! That I do
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Mourners, you may love Him too
The lyrics of "Death Shall Not Destroy My Comfort" by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir convey a profound sense of faith, comfort, and hope in the face of death. The opening lines affirm the belief that death will not take away the singer's peace and solace, as they trust that Christ will be there to guide them through the darkness. The imagery of a "Heav'nly convoy" coming to escort the spirit home suggests a divine and comforting presence accompanying the individual through their final journey.
The repeated use of the word "hallelujah" in the chorus reflects a sense of joy, gratitude, and praise towards the Savior. The singer expresses profound love for their Savior and invites others, including mourners who may be grieving, to also experience that love. The inclusive invitation to all to love the Savior underscores the universal comfort and salvation that the lyrics speak of, emphasizing that this love is available to everyone regardless of their circumstances.
The mention of Jordan's stream symbolizes the crossing from life into death, with the assurance that even in the face of this passage, the presence of the Savior will prevent overwhelming fear or despair. The reference to Canaan lying ahead implies a promised land or heavenly reward awaiting the believer after they have crossed the metaphorical "swelling tide" of death. This imagery evokes a sense of anticipation and optimism for the afterlife, where ultimate peace and fulfillment are assured.
The final verses depict a scene of blissful anticipation, as happy spirits await on the other side of the stream, their joy expressed through the repetition of the name "Jesus." This portrayal of a heavenly gathering reinforces the idea of a loving and welcoming divine presence on the journey beyond death. The overarching message of the song is one of unwavering faith, love, and trust in the Savior, offering solace and hope to both the singer and those who listen, encouraging them to find comfort and love in their own connection to the divine.
Line by Line Meaning
Death shall not destroy my comfort
The fear of death will not take away my peace and assurance
Christ shall guide me through the gloom
Jesus will lead me through dark and difficult times
Down, He'll send some Heav'nly convoy
He will send heavenly messengers to accompany me
To escort my spirit home
To guide my soul safely to its eternal destination
Jordan's stream shall not o'er flow me
I will not be overwhelmed by life's challenges
While my Savior's by my side
As long as Jesus is with me
Canaan, Canaan lies before me!
The promised land of Canaan awaits me
Soon I'll cross the swelling tide
I will safely cross the waters of life
See the happy spirits waiting
Witness the joyous souls waiting on the other side
On the banks beyond the stream!
On the shores of the afterlife
Sweet responses still repeating
Their joyful voices singing praises
"Jesus! Jesus!" is their theme
All centered around the name of Jesus
Oh, hallelujah! How I love my Savior!
Praise and gratitude for the love of Jesus
Mourners, you may love Him too
Encouragement for all to find comfort and love in Jesus
Writer(s): Mack Wilberg
Contributed by Eliana A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@alexrey4745
True beauty is not in having died well - it is in living a full life that closes on a high note. I love this hymn, for death shall not end my time with my beloved ones, and the grave shall not hold my Savior from reaching me.
@CarlGustavStads
+Alex Rey Amen!!
@sandroluizmartins3117
Valorosos! Every Single Day, Im Back For One More Holy Moment, Hearing ALL Pieces oF Heaven, on Earth As Songs & The Word Spoke!
@juvenalkapata8201
Oh Alleluah how I love my savior! I can't to meet the savior in the other side of the veil.
@AdrianaOliveira-ff1yb
Why not
@maximbucanov7044
beautiful
@sandroluizmartins3117
O Legado É Grandiosamente Valorizado, Ao Vivermos Dignamente, Como TODOS Nos Ensinaram, Antes de Partir!
Amazing Choir & Orchestra! AWESOME (...)
@adrianamartins4605
Quanto amor, ao cantar! Maravilhosos!
@sandroluizmartins3117
❤
@sandroluizmartins3117
ELE está! Elas me ensinaram & O SALVADOR me ajudou! #DevoTudoÀEles