The Beatitudes have always intrigued me. Jesus’ first words of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) read like a poem and a series of proverbs, and I’ve always wanted to set them to music as so many composers have done in the past.
The word beatitude comes from the Latin beatitudo, meaning "blessedness." As Christian theologian and minister Mary Fairchild explains:
The phrase "blessed are" in each beatitude implies a current state of happiness or well-being. This expression held a powerful meaning of "divine joy and perfect happiness" to the people of Christ's day. In other words, Jesus was saying "divinely happy and fortunate are those who possess these inward qualities." While speaking of a current "blessedness," each pronouncement also promised a future reward.
The beatitudes introduce and set the tone for Jesus' Sermon on the Mount by emphasizing the humble state of humans and the righteousness of God. Each beatitude depicts the ideal heart condition of a citizen of God’s kingdom. In this idyllic state, the believer experiences abundant spiritual blessings.
Musically, I found the melody came to me almost immediately fully formed, as most of what I consider my best work seems to. I credit the simplicity of the words, the repetition of the phrasing, and how the lyric hangs on that one word: Blessed.
This latest work is also the kick off tune for my new project, Woodshed Hymns, a site where folks can sign up as subscribers and receive new music from me every month, plus lots of other musical nuggets. Supporting Woodshed Hymns will enable the recording, distribution, and archiving of my sacred music work, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart if you are inclined to do so. This first song is available to all, feel free to share!
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness
For they will be filled
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are called children of God
Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are the persecuted because of righteousness
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Chord Chart
Lyric: Matthew 5:3-12 (NIV)
Music: MH Curl
Produced by MH Curl
Vocals, Guitar, Keys: MH Curl
Electric Guitar: Christopher Sandison
Mixed by Clint Snow
Recorded by MH Curl at the Woodshed, 2020
