Holy, Holy, Holy (Mayer)
Hymn composed by
John Bacchus DykesContextual information
In 1861, John Bacchus Dykes wrote the melody for this song, which is known as NICAEA. He wrote it as a musical setting for the original text by Reginald Heber which was written in 1826. I grew up singing that hymn in church, and always loved it. My version features the traditional melody but with my own text, which represents my effort to write lyrics that feel more resonant with my own beliefs, as well as with present-day cosmology.
In 1861, John Bacchus Dykes wrote the melody for this song, which is known as NICAEA. He wrote it as a musical setting for the original text by Reginald Heber which was written in 1826. I grew up singing that hymn in church, and always loved it. My version features the traditional melody but with my own text, which represents my effort to write lyrics that feel more resonant with my own beliefs, as well as with present-day cosmology.
Tune Name
NICAEA
Tune Name
Text Meter
12.12.12.10.
10.9.10.9
Song Composer
John Bacchus DykesHymn Arranger
Composer Background information
John Bacchus Dykes (1823–1876), from Yorkshire, England, directed the choir of Durham Cathedral and was a founder of the University Musical Society at Cambridge. His tune NICAEA was composed for Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861) for the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy, Author of Creation.” Appropriate to Bishop Heber’s original text, the name refers to the Christian ecumenical council at Nicaea in 325 CE, at which the doctrine of the Trinity was formalized.
Spiritual tags
Other tags
Lyricist Background information
Peter Mayer (he/him) is a full-time singer/songwriter and a UU who travels and performs in acoustic venues and churches across the United States. He has released 11 albums of his work, and many singles as well. He lives in Stillwater, MN with his wife and two daughters.
Arranger Background information
Lyrics
Holy, Holy, Holy—
Holy wind around me,
Holy sky above and
Holy ground beneath my feet.
Over and below me,
All the earth enfolds me,
Shelters, holds me,
Holy land and sea.
Holy, Holy, Holy—
Holy life inside me,
Long ago begotten in
Primeval oceans deep.
Lung and green leaf breathing,
Heart and bright wing beating,
Knowing, seeing
Holy life in me.
Holy, Holy, Holy—
Holy ancient story,
From so small a seed is born
A trillion galaxies.
And from one proceeds us,
Children of the stardust.
Sparks rising up from
Holy fire are we
Holy, Holy, Holy—
Source of endless beauty,
Lifting up our grateful hearts
We sing our song to Thee.
Universe that dreamed us,
Grow the love between us.
Teach us wisdom,
Holy mystery.
Resources
Music XML and MEI and MIDI and Musescore files
Google Slides (View Only)