Be Thou Humble
130

Text and music: Grietje Terburg Rowley (b. 1927; LDS)
Tune name: BE THOU HUMBLE

The music and words of this tranquil hymn communicate beautifully the peace that comes with humble dependence on the Lord. What are the promised blessings if we are truly humble? Our prayers are answered; we enjoy peace of mind; we serve more effectively in our callings; and ultimately, we return to the Father who has led us, taught us, and blessed us.

Grietje Rowley said: “The words were written one wintry afternoon in 1981 when the house was quiet and still. Somehow they were put away and forgotten. Occasionally it would occur to me that I should find the words again and set them to music, but I just couldn’t seem to get to it. Then late one night the first few measures came into my mind, unbidden, and I knew I would have to get them down on paper or they would be gone by morning. I worked late into the night until I had the basic melody written.” This hymn was first printed in the 1985 hymnbook.

Grietje Rowley based her text directly on Doctrine and Covenants 112:10 and Ether 12:27. She noted: “I always pray for inspiration and guidance before I begin each composing session, and also many times during the process. I did so as I was working on this hymn, and each time a decision had to be made on a word or a note it seemed that the right choice was made clear to me. It was most reassuring.”

Note the beautiful matching of tune and words, with the highest notes sung on the word Lord and all phrases resolved quietly and peacefully downward. It is also helpful to note the octave skip to the word Lord in the first line and the fact that the word Lord in the third line is one note higher than might be expected.