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.
Nearer My God To Thee
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Though like a wnderer the son gone down darknest be over me my rest a stone yet all my dreams id be nearer my god to thee nearer my god to thee nearer to thee
There let the way appear
Steps unto heav'angles to beckon
Nearer my god to thee
Nearer my god to thee
The lyrics of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song “Nearer My God To Thee” express the desire for the singer to feel closer to God, no matter the challenges in their life. The first verses give an idea of the hardships the singer may go through. Even if it may seem like the singer is carrying a heavy cross, still their songs will be directed to God. Singing this song brings the singer nearer to God. It is a beautiful testament to faith and commitment to God in the midst of struggles.
The following verse describes a situation in which the singer is alone, and the darkness is over them. But even in this situation, the singer is content with the thought that they could be nearer to God. The final verse gives a picture of a way being provided for the singer to reach heaven. The singer envisions steps beckoning them towards heaven, and this brings them nearer to God. Regardless of the obstacles on the way, the singer's ultimate goal is to be nearer to God.
Line by Line Meaning
Nearer my god to thee nearer to thee
I am drawing closer to my God, inching my way toward him.
Ean thou it be a cross that raiseth me
Even if the struggles and hardships of my life lift me up like a cross, I will still sing out to God and continue to approach him.
still all my song shall be nearer my god to thee
No matter what happens to me, I will always be singing and moving closer to God.
Though like a wnderer the son gone down darknest be over me my rest a stone yet all my dreams id be
Even in the darkest moments of my life, when I feel like a wanderer with no direction, my refuge is in God. He is my foundation and my ultimate goal.
There let the way appear
Show me the path to God, so I can follow it without hesitation.
Steps unto heav'angles to beckon
Guide me through my journey towards God, thus making my path to heaven easier to walk upon.
Nearer to thee
I am striving to draw ever closer to God, to be in His presence and bask in His love and glory.
Writer(s): L. Mason, S.f. Adams, R. Manookin
Contributed by Ethan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Jay-st6sl
I'm agnostic...but I swear...if there was ever anything that could make me convert to Christianity, it'd be liturgical music. I don't know what the presence of Christ, or god, or whatever, would feel like, but these musical pieces fill me with what I can only describe as awe. It's like seeing the grand canyon but with my ears.
@marilouabubo5203
Glad you like the music. We invite you to listen and feel the Spirit of God.
@codyholt2358
Music is a gift from God. You can feel Him through it. Keep looking further into it. We (Christians) and Christ loves you, brother!
@mik3yc4li10
I would say, the spirit feels like true peace and comfort, follow that feeling onto a path that makes you the happiest, and thank you for sharing:)
@janelivingston8060
What a marvelous description of listening to this hymn and choir. I've been to the Grand Canyon and I know exactly what you're saying and feeling. Don't look now but you're feeling the gentle Spirit!
@matthewwmurphy2170
God finds us in all kinds of different ways. I get closest to the divine through music, too. It’s my most frequent channel for prayer, faith, healing, and hope.
@Maxx102
My mother passed away on August 14th, 2017 and was laid to rest on August 19th, 2017. When my dad and I were sitting down with the pastor, this is the only hymn I could think of. It's a beautiful song, unfortunately not being trained vocalists, we didn't really do the song justice. Of course when I hear this song it now makes me cry......miss you mom.
@edgar5814
Im sure she appreciated the efforts🤍
@freddieschmidt1062
We sang the song at my dad's funeral I couldn't little busy crying, and we added it to the tomb stone also. Sorry for your lost
@marieloiselumnwineba6730
Be calm dear.