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Art of Language Lesson 12: POETRY and LYRICS

Art of Language Lesson 12: POETRY and LYRICS

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E: mire

H: anoint

W: desolate

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PSALMS are forms of WORSHIP … that is a form of POETRY … originally set to MUSIC. In a way, the Psalms are LYRICS.

1 — Listen to Martin Smith’s song “Safe In Your Arms.”

2 — Compare his lyrics (below) … with the text of Psalm 23 (further below).

Click here to listen to the song.

LYRICS:

The Lord is my Shepherd

He leads me on.

Besides the still waters

He restores my soul.

 

Though I walk through the valleys

I will not fear.

I know you are with me

I feel you here.

 

I am safe in your arms.

 

The Lord is my Shepherd

Through darkest night.

Though evil surrounds me

You defend my life.

 

Goodness and mercy

for all my days.

In the house of my God

My heart will stay.

 

I am safe in your arms.

I am safe in your arms.

I am safe in your arms.

I am safe in your arms.

 

Oh, oh, hallelujah.

Oh, oh, hallelujah.

 

Oh, my heart

overflows.

Forever I love you

I love you.

 

Oh, my heart

overflows.

Forever I love you

I love you.

 

Yes I am safe in your arms, in your arms.

I am safe

in your arms.

Psalm 23

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need.
2     He lets me lie down in fields of green grass.
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3     He gives me new strength.
He guides me in the right paths
for the honor of his name.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid.
You are with me.
Your shepherd’s rod and staff
comfort me.

5 You prepare a feast for me
right in front of my enemies.
You pour oil on my head.
My cup runs over.
6 I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life.
And I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

Psalm 23

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Psalm 23

The Good Shepherd

A Davidic psalm.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
2 He lets me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths[a]
for His name’s sake.
4 Even when I go through the darkest valley,[b]
I fear no danger,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff[c]—they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in[d] the house of the Lord
as long as I live.[e]

 

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1 — What is David’s main point in Psalm 23?

2 — What is Martin Smith’s main point in his song “Safe In Your Arms”?

3 — How are the answers to questions 1 and 2 different? Similar?