Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Album: Be Still My Soul: The Ultimate Hymns Collection (1834)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • For over 100 years the Reverend Henry Lyte was best known for writing the classic hymn "Abide With Me." He is now probably better known as the author of this hymn of praise, whose popularity was enhanced by Queen Elizabeth choosing it for her wedding to the Duke of Edinburgh, on November 20, 1947. It remains a popular choice at weddings and funerals.
  • The hymn, written by Lyte for his congregation, is a rendering of Psalm 103, which begins, "Praise the Lord, O my soul!" The tune was published it in his 1834 collection of hymns, The Spirit of the Psalms, whose purpose, as the title indicates, was not to provide a literal paraphrase of the psalms but rather to capture their underlying spirit and make them genuine acts of Christian worship.
  • The wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Philip Mountbatten where this hymn was sung took place on November 20, 1947, 150 years to the day after the death of Henry Francis Lyte.
  • "Praise, My Soul" was also played during the 2018 funeral of former US. President George H. W. Bush.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Metallica

MetallicaFact or Fiction

Beef with Bon Jovi? An unfortunate Spandex period? See if you can spot the true stories in this Metallica version of Fact or Fiction.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Mac Powell of Third Day

Mac Powell of Third DaySongwriter Interviews

The Third Day frontman talks about some of the classic songs he wrote with the band, and what changed for his solo country album.