Some hymns have two tunes. To have three tunes for the same hymn is rare. To find three tunes that are different in structure and harmony yet share a similar temperament is…. I don’t know, is that also a rarity?
In this case, a hymn, and rather unusual is that it begins with “Q”:
Quiet
Quiet, Lord, my froward heart;
Make me teachable and mild,
Upright, simple, free from art;
This hymn is public domain. Having searched on the internet, at least three tunes can be found:
- a tune that appears to be well established in the style of a "hymn"
- a second tune that has a "modern" feel, with a degree of elaboration and improvisation
- a third is like a hymn but much more "relaxed" in feel than the first one, and the triple time signature (3/4) fits the word very well that carries you along in worship
Rest and trust are two words that this hymn speaks about. There will be other words or themes, but here I am interseted in the two.
Along with the two words is the third one: Child. On meditating on this, it seems to me that the hymn is bringing home the message that we ought to be like a child in trusting God in providing all that we need in life, and he will protect us in aspects of life that are beyond our control.
Make me as a weaned child,
From distrust and envy free,
Pleased with all that pleases Thee.
What Thou shalt today provide
Let me as a child receive;
What tomorrow may betide
As a little child relies
On a care beyond his own,
Knows he’s neither strong nor wise,
Further points of note for this hymn:
- lyrics in six lines, a slight challenge to musical structure
- composed by John Newton, who wrote many including Amazing Grace.