There are many arrangements of this traditional air.
Full Title The Lord’s My Shepherd (Brother James' Air), arranged by Malcolm Archer (b.1952)
Notes This is Psalm 23. Also suitable as a hymn (for which the traditional tune is Crimond).
Duration About 3 minutes.
Performers required
- Organ alone
- Piano alone
- Solo singer accompanied by Organ or Piano
- Choir accompanied by Organ or Piano
Source of printed music There are many versions by different arrangers, for solo singer with organ or piano, choir with organ or piano, organ alone, etc. Malcolm Archer's arrangement is published by the RSCM. The Gordon Jacob arrangement is published by OUP.
1. The Lord's my Shepherd, I'll not want;
He makes me down to lie
In pastures green; He leadeth me
The quiet waters by.
My soul He doth restore again,
And me to walk doth make
Within the paths of righteousness,
E'en for His own Name's sake.Yea, though I walk through death's dark vale,
Yet will I fear no ill,
For Thou art with me, and Thy rod
And staff me comfort still.A table Thou hast furnished me
In presence of my foes;
My head Thou dost with oil anoint,
And my cup overflows.Goodness and mercy all my life
Shall surely follow me,
And in God's house forevermore
My dwellingplace shall be.
*Words Psalm 23 from the Scottish Psalter (1650)
