This hymn tune has been associated with this particular set of lyrics for nearly 150 years. Despite the fact that in terms of the great sweep of history that is not a long time, neither the original composer of this hymn tune nor the circumstances of its composition are known. Thankfully, that does not change the fact that it has a wonderful melody and thoughtful lyric that made working it up into a choral anthem a true pleasure.

The lyric for the soprano line appears thus in the score (feel free to follow along as the midi "choir" sings):

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This is my Father's world,
And to my list'ning ears
All nature sings, and 'round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas-
His hand the wonders wrought.
His hand the wonders wrought.


This is my Father's world,
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world:
He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me ev'ry where.
He speaks to me. He speaks to me.


This is my Father's world,
O let me ne'er forget,
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father's world:
The battle is not done;
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and heav'n be one.


This is my Father's world.


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This anthem is written relatively low, so good low bass and alto sections will be a big help in making this work. It should be suitable for worship performance by a variety for groups.

MP3 sound sample: Entire piece (synthesizer/midi).



THIS IS MY FATHER'S WORLD, a fresh SATB a cappella anthem setting of the traditional English hymn tune with lyrics by Maltbie D. Babcock, arranged by Tom Kirkland, comes in a PDF file of 553K that contains a seven page full score plus a license page, eight pages in all. Performance time should be around 2:55.