O Thou Whose Glory Fills the Heav'ns

MP3 - O Thou Whose Glory Fills the Heav'ns
PDF - O Thou Whose Glory Fills the Heav'ns

I was looking through some old poetry, and more specifically one that talks about the new year and happened upon a poem titled "New Year's Day" by Charles Moir. In his poem, there are 8-10 verses so I picked and chose which verses to include and changed a word here and there to make it a bit more relevant. There are precious few hymns that talk about the New Year and I thought this would make a nice hymn. I hope you enjoy it, and Happy New Year to you!

O Thou whose glory fills the heav'ns whose bounty clothes the earth. 
To Thee a hymn of thanks we raise for blessings from our birth, 
For that untiring love Thou dost, from day to day renew, 
O may it on our hearts descend like heaven-distilled dew. 

While ent'ring on another year our cares on Thee we cast, 
beseeching aid in days to come which cheered us through the past. 
That still the freedom may be ours to kneel down in Thy sight, 
and worship Thee at end of day, and in the morning light. 

How needful, then to train our thoughts, and fan the heavn'ly flame 
of faith, in the believing heart, triumph o'er sin and shame 
and holding by Thy word, Thou hast for love and guidance giv'n, 
pass through this world, obedient, true candidates for heav'n.

All My Heart, This Night Rejoices

MP3 - All My Heart, This Night Rejoices
PDF - All My Heart, This Night Rejoices

Here is a little known, but lovely Christmas carol for you to enjoy. It is scored for SATB and would be most effective as a totally a capella piece. I hope you enjoy and Merry Christmas!

A Cradle Hymn

MP3 - A Cradle Hymn
PDF - A Cradle Hymn

I was looking through some old Christmas poems and happened upon this one by the famous Isaac Watts. I'm not sure if this was ever set to music or not, but when I started to read the words, the melody was following along. After some playing around with modulations, this is the result. I hope you like it.

Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber, 
Holy angels guard thy bed! 
Heav'nly blessings without number 
gently falling on Thy head. 

Soft and easy is thy cradle: 
Coarse and hard thy Savior lay, 
When His birthplace was a stable 
and His softest bed was hay. 

See the kinder shepherds round Him, 
Telling wonders from the sky! 
Where they sought Him, there they found Him, 
With His Virgin Mother by. 

How much better thou'rt attended 
then the Son of God could be, 
when from heaven He descended 
and became a child like Thee!

A Savior Is Born

MP3 - A Savior Is Born
PDF - A Savior Is Born

Here is a hymn that I collaborated with Susan Noyes Anderson that is in keeping with the church's 2015 Theme, #ASavioIsBorn.

One quiet night in Bethlehem, One rough and lonely manger bed, 
One star as bright as breaking day, One baby nestled in the hay. 
Sing out with joy on Christmas morn; Ring out the bells and sound the horn. 
Christ is born: A Savior is born. 

One burst of angels from on high, One humble prayer from shepherds nigh, 
One dream for magi of their King, One babe to end all suffering. 
Sing out with joy on Christmas morn; Ring out the bells and sound the horn. 
Christ is born: A Savior is born. 

One miracle to save mankind, One shining hope for all to find, 
One healing hand to ease the pain, One life to give, our lives to gain. 
Sing out with joy on Christmas morn; Ring out the bells and sound the horn. 
Christ is born: A Savior is born. 

O Come, All Ye Faithful - Fanfare

PDF - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Fanfare
MP3 - O Come, All Ye Faithful - Fanfare

This is a tune arrangement I had for while and repurposed it. It makes a nice fanfare type of anthem, only 1:30 but is powerful to declare that Christ is born! 

Still, Still, Still

PDF - Still, Still, Still
MP3 - Still, Still, Still

The beautiful Christmas carol, Still, Still, Still arranged for Soprano and Alto. Hope you enjoy it!

11-28-2015 - I had a request to turn this into a violin solo. Here is the result. I will oblige any request (within reason) :) v1.v

PDF - Still, Still, Still - violin solo
MP3 - Still, Still, Still - violin solo

11-30-2015 - Added Cello part per request v13.vc

PDF - Still, Still, Still - Cello solo

11-30-2015 - Transposed Score and created viola solo v1.1vla

PDF - Still, Still, Still - viola score
PDF - Still, Still, Still - viola solo

12-02-2015 - Transposed Soprano and Alto score.

PDF - Still, Still, Still - transposed SA

Adam-Ondi-Ahman

MP3 - Adam-Ondi-Ahman
PDF - Adam-Ondi-Ahman


This is the old hymn, Adam-Ondi-Ahman arranged for SATB with divisi. If you like it and use it, I would love to hear about it.

My New Best Friend

MP3 - My New Best Friend
PDF - My New Best Friend

This is a special piece for me. My eldest grandson is turning 8 in November and he is very excited about his upcoming baptism and confirmation. Since there is no way that my wife and I can attend his special event (we live in Utah and he lives in Pennsylvania), I thought the next best thing to do would be to write a song for him. I asked his mother to "interview" him about his baptism. Here is what he responded:

he is looking forward to having the holy ghost as a new best friend, and that he's excited to be the newest member of church. He said he is also excited to "be like mom and dad" and be a member of the church.

So, I started penning some lyrics in a haphazard way (without even having a clue what the tune would be) - This was last Thursday evening. I turned my lyrics over to one of my collaborators who took my chaos and turned it into a wonderful song and has all the points that my grandson made. This was last Friday evening.

As I read through the words that evening, a tune started to formulate in my head. I wanted it to be a happy song because of the excitement of my grandson for this event.

I hope you like it and welcome any comments. And thanks again to Sue Anderson for her gift in turning chaotic words into a wonderful chronological song. We will miss you, Aidan but will be there in spirit. :)

1. This birthday is a special one, I'm finally turning eight!

    My baptism is coming soon, and I can hardly wait!

    The Bishop wants to talk to me about that special day.

    When I'm confirmed, my new best friend will help me to obey.

2, I'll go beneath the water clear, washed clean from head to toe.

    and rise up with my spirit pure, as freshly fallen snow.

    Then I'll be ready to receive a gift I cannot see:

    the Holy Ghost, my new best friend to guide and comfort me.

3. While others place their hands upon my head, I will be still.

    "Receive the Holy Ghost", they'll say, and joyfully, I will!
    At last I'll be a member of the Church like Mom and Dad.
    The Spirit will be with me, and that makes MY spirit glad!

Though I am Young

MP3 - Though I am Young
PDF - Though I am Young

A nice flowing Primary song about how Primary children can be of service. Thanks to Michael Young for the lyrics.

Though I am young, I too can serve. My little hands and feet can help the Lord.
Though I am small, I can be strong. Building God's kingdom because I belong!
My little voice can help others obey. I know that God hears when I use it to pray.
Though I am young, I, too can serve. My little hands and feet can help the Lord.

Though I am young, still I can be a light to others that helps them to see.
Though I don't know all things to do, the Holy Spirit will help guide me through.
Though I don't stand tall, I still stand for right. For I know that courage is better than height.

Though I am young, still I can be a light to others that helps them to see.

A Child's Testimony

MP3 - A Child's Testimony
PDF - A Child's Testimony

This was another one of those songs that popped into my head and then my collaborator came up with words almost instantly. It was meant to be. Thanks to Sue Anderson for the wonderful lyrics to go with this tune. Appropriate for Primary children. I hope you enjoy it. If you like it, please leave feedback!

Sometimes when I feel afraid and alone I remember the things that I know. 
I have a Father in Heaven who loves me, and I lived with Him long ago. 
He said that I could be like Him one day. I came to earth to learn how. 
God gave me parents to show me the way and to help Him watch over me now. 

I have a Brother in Heaven as well. Jesus loves me, and I love Him too. 
He gave His life for me; He made things right for me I know His teachings are true. 
I can be faithful and I can be strong. I have His goodness in me. 
I have a family to help me along and to love me for eternity. 

The Sabbath Day is my Favorite Day

MP3 - The Sabbath Day is my Favorite Day
PDF - The Sabbath Day is my Favorite Day

I was reading talks one morning, and in particular the talk by Sister Neill F. Marriott. While I was reading that talk, this tune popped into my head. I knew that it had to be a Children's song about the Sabbath, so I consulted with my collaborator with the idea and she took it from there. I am grateful to have so many wonderful collaborators to help in getting this music out. If you like it, please leave feedback and if you use it, I'd love to hear about it.

1. The Sabbath Day is my favorite day, and so I want to prepare. 
When I'm on time and I look my best, I show the Lord that I care. 

2. The Sabbath Day is my favorite day, I start by saying a prayer. 
When I am reverent and worshipful, my Heavenly Father is there. 

3. The Sabbath day is my favorite day, my thoughts are only the best. 
No chores, no playing with friends, a sacred day when we rest. 

The First Noel

MP3 - The First Noel
PDF - The First Noel

Here is a joyful arrangement of The First Noel for your Ward Choir to do. It has some challenges, but with practice can be done. :) As always, if you use this piece, please leave me feedback. I love feedback. Thanks to Nathan Howe for helping me with some scoring issues. I'm still learning.

All Things Testify of Him

MP3 - All Things Testify of Him
PDF - All Things Testify of Him

Thanks once again to Dixie Lea Henrie for the beautiful lyrics to go with this song. This is appropriate for Young Men/Young Women to sing. The words reflect Moses 6:63. If you do perform this, I would appreciate a note and even better if you can get an audio recording of the performance and send it to me that would be so appreciated.

The beauty of a setting sun, a newborn baby's birth, 
A blade of grass, the azure sky, all creatures on the earth. 
The flowers open to the sun, the oceans roll ashore, 
For evidence of heavens touch, I could not ever ask for more. 

When I awake to each new day I say a little prayer, 
Of gratitude for all I see, the beauty everywhere. 
Our Father made the universe for all who dwell within, 
My heart and mind convey to me that all things testify of Him. 

The Legacy of Heroes

MP3 - The Legacy of Heroes
PDF - The Legacy of Heroes

As I was perusing some poetry, I happened upon this one. And almost instantaneously, a melody emerged. I got permission to set Susan Noyes Anderson's stirring poem to music. I wanted it to reflect a solemn feel, so one could feel the words as they are sung. I thank Susan for her gift and for the privilege of setting one of her poems to music. This would make a wonderful Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Veteran's Day or the like occasion. I hope you enjoy it.

1. Today we celebrate our troops, whose valor must be praised. 
Our nation is the legacy of heroes born and raised. 

2. From sea to shining sea they choose to honor and protect 
The laws and land that we revere, the freedoms we respect. 

3. The sacrifices of these men and women stir our hearts, 
Invoking all the gratitude their selflessness imparts. 

4. We celebrate each one of them and thank their fam'lies too. 
For rising to our country's call with courage known by few. 

5. May we be true to all who serve, and hold in memory, 
Each father, mother, daughter, son, whose blood has kept us free. 

The Brightness of the Gospel Plan

MP3 - The Brightness of the Gospel Plan
PDF - The Brightness of the Gospel Plan

I welcome another collaborator, Dixie Lea Henrie to the ldshappymusic "family". I had this tune for over two years and turned it over to her for inspiration. What it became is a great missionary hymn that would sound great sung by missionaries. :) I hope you enjoy it and, as always I welcome feedback.

1. The brightness of the gospel plan will ever light the way,
    To seeking hearts, and wand'ring souls who may have gone astray.
    The call is ours in latter days, to leave no soul behind,
    But be a beacon in the dark that searching hearts may find.

2. Be mindful of the low in heart, endeavoring to cope,
    Give comfort, help and charity, encouragement and hope.
    And love thy neighbor as thyself for truly, who is he?
    A precious child of royal birth, a brother unto thee.

3. We'll share the friendship, share the joy, love's ensign taking hold,
    For every nation, kindred tongue, we'll bring into the fold.
    We'll share the plan of happiness, God's children one and all.
    The field is ripe, the harvest nigh, let each one heed the call.

4. May we be servants unto thee, be faithful, honest, true,
    That others who may see our light, accept the gospel too.
   Oh Father may we be thy hands, our meager light be Thine,

   And spread thy word o'er all the earth, thy gospel light to shine. 

His Truth is Restored

PDF - His Truth is Restored
MP3 - His Truth is Restored

I had this happy tune for a while and decided to give it to my latest collaborator and he came up with some wonderful ideas. This is the result. It is a joyous Primary song that the children can have fun singing (and shouting) :) Comments appreciated.

1. His truth is restored to the earth again,
the gospel of Jesus will fill the land
from east to the west and from north to south,
the Lord's missionaries will open their mouths saying:

(Chorus)
"Repent! His kingdom's at hand.
Join us in the promised land.
Give glory to the name of the Lord
and Shout! with joy for His truth is restored."

2. Our sisters and brothers in distant lands,
are clinging to hope for His heavn'ly hand.
God's army of servants go two by two,
deliv'ring His message of eternal truth saying:


(Chorus)

I'll Trust in Jesus Christ

MP3 - I'll Trust in Jesus Christ
PDF - I'll Trust in Jesus Christ

This is another "rapid sequence" song that developed and I also found a new lyrics collaborator in record time too. From start to finish took about 6 hours to complete. This is a sweet Primary tune about trusting in Jesus Christ. Thanks to Eric for the wonderful words. I look forward to more collaboration. If you use this piece, please drop me a note. And if you do have your children sing it, an audio of them would be wonderful :) I hope you enjoy!

If I put my trust in Jesus Christ 
I will learn His holy truth 
I will hear the spirit whispering 
All the things that I should do 
When I'm reaching for His loving arms 
I can feel Him reach for me 
And in faith I’ll trust in Jesus Christ 
He will always trust in me 

If I put my trust in worldly ways 
I will lose my path indeed 
The still small voice will fade away 
And I’ll wander aimlessly 
So I'm reaching for His loving arms 
I can feel Him reach for me 
And in faith I’ll trust in Jesus Christ 
He will always trust in me 

Joseph Smith's First Prayer

MP3 - Joseph Smith's First Prayer
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer Baritone
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Soprano
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Bari - Violin Part
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Soprano- Violin part
PDF - Joseph smith's First Prayer - Alto - Violin
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Alto - b-flat Clarinet Part
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Soprano - Cello
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Alto/Cello Score
PDF - Joseph Smith's First Prayer - Alto/Cello - Cello Part

Live recording (noise and all) - https://soundcloud.com/rickgraham-1/joseph-smiths-first-prayer-lc18w

So earlier this year, a fellow MoTab member told me that his daughter was returning home from her mission and mentioned that it would be way cool if there could be a custom arrangement of the hymn, "Joseph Smith's First Prayer". In this particular mission, they loved to sing the words of Joseph Smith's First Prayer to the tune of, "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". So I accepted the challenge. This is what I ended up with. 

It is scored for Baritone solo with violin and piano, but can be altered for other voices - just ask and I'll provide you with it. :) I thought it turned out well and this is also the piece that I submitted to the 2015 LDS Submission. I don't know how it fared out as the results won't be released till July. But the deadline for submission has passed and felt that I need to share this with others.

It is very rare that I have strong feelings about a piece, but every time I play this back, I keep on telling myself, "I didn't write this". I feel that I had some heavenly help with this. I hope you enjoy it. If you perform it, I'd love to hear about it and maybe even an audio recording.

NEW: 19 May 2015 - Added PDF with transposed music set for Soprano Voice v1.01S
           20 May 2015 - Added Violin part PDF's for each voicing
           12 June 2015 - Added PDF for Alto Voice v1.01A
             8 July 2015 - Added b-flat clarinet for Alto arrangement v1.01AC
           15 July 2015 - Added Cello for Soprano Arrangement V1.01SC
             6 March 2016 - Added Cello for Alto arrangement V1.02AC

Our Savior

MP3 - Our Savior
PDF - Our Savior

v.1 (Transposed from Key of E Major to D major)

This is a simple Sacrament Hymn that I came up with the words one insomniac evening. The tune followed shortly. It is my hope that it expresses the Sacrament with dignity.

Our Savior, in Gethsemane
Cried, "Father, take this cup from me,
But if Thou wilt, I'll drink it all";
Atoning for our sins, and fall.

Our Savior, whose hands raised the dead,
Were pierced with nails, His blood they shed.
Symbolic of His body torn;
We eat the bread, our souls reborn.

Our Savior, bleeding on the tree
From head and feet, and side flowed free.
As symbols of His blood, so dear
We now partake the water, clear.

Our Savior suffered all of these
So that God's law He did appease
We come to Him, our hearts are rent,
And we partake His sacrament.

His Love Divine

PDF - His Love Divine
MP3 - His Love Divine

I came up with the tune and knew if had to be a solemn Easter hymn. There are very few Easter Hymns and also very few with Minor keys, so this offers both of those. For the lyrics, I turned once again to my fellow Motab member, Michael Young, which through sickness came up with these words in a very short time. I think they work very well with the tune. This could be sung by a choir and each verse ung by a different section or sections. I hope you enjoy this Easter hymn.

Underneath the heavy load He fell onto His face.
Our Savior cried, "Oh Father, please come take this cup away.
If there is yet another way to fill Thy laws' demands.
But if not, then I will give My will into Thy hands."

There alone our Savior cried as He hung on the tree.
"My God, my God, why hast Thou gone? Hast Thou forsaken me?"
Till then at last, He loudly cried that His great work was done.
Now His mortal life complete, the final vic'try won.

Then three days there in the tomb His body lay at rest.
His Spirit soared to set all free: the pris'ners and the blessed.
And then returned on the third morn and rose in splendor bright.
Perfectly restored anew and with an endless light.

As we mourn for death and sin, our Savior understands.
For us He gave each drop of blood; His wounded feet and hands.
He brings at one our souls with God, ransomed with a great cost.
He paid through His love divine that we must not be lost.

Early That Morn

PDF - Early That Morn
MP3 - Early That Morn

The inspiration for this hymn came from the account of the women who came to anoint the Savior after His death on Calvary. It tells the sweet story about their travels and I would imagine their heavy heart at the duty they had to fulfill.

This (obviously) is an Easter hymn, and could be sung by an SATB choir. The verses could be mixed and matched with the voices. I hope you enjoy it!

Early that morn, the Sabbath done,
the women came, e're rising sun.
With spices laden, by death's hill
now pressing through the garden still.

With heavy heart, onward they tread
'neath skies of purple, blue, and red.
Within that sepulchre was lain,
their precious Jesus, who was slain.

As they arrived, to their surprise
the stone was rolled, their voices cried,
the empty tomb! To where? We pray,
for they have taken Him away!

And at the entrance of the tomb,
and angel then dispelled their gloom.
"Why seek the living from the dead?
For He has risen as He said!"

He Lives! My Savior, Lord and King!
Let heav'n and earth, His praises sing!
For He fulfilled His Father's plan
to bring to pass immortal man!