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Art of Language Lesson 12: POETRY and LYRICS, page 2

Let’s the the same thing with a U2 song.

1 — Listen to U2′s song “40.”

2 — Compare their lyrics (below) … with the text of Psalm 40:1-3 (further below).

3 — What is Psalm 40:1-3′s main point?

4 — What is U2′s main point in “40″?

5 – How is U2′s song different and similar to Psalm 40:1-3?


Their lyrics:

I waited patiently for the Lord
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me right out of the pit,
out of my miry clay.
I will sing a new song,
How long to sing this song?
He set my feet upon a rock,
and made my footsteps heard.
Many will see,
Many will see and fear.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?

 

Psalm 40:1-3

New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)

Psalm 40

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 I was patient while I waited for the Lord.
He turned to me and heard my cry for help.
2 I was sliding down into the pit of death, and he pulled me out.
He brought me up out of the mud and dirt.
He set my feet on a rock.
He gave me a firm place to stand on.
3 He gave me a new song to sing.
It is a hymn of praise to our God.
Many people will see what he has done and will worship him.
They will put their trust in the Lord.

Psalm 40:1-3

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

Psalm 40

Thanksgiving and a Cry for Help

For the choir director. A Davidic psalm.

1 I waited patiently for the Lord,
and He turned to me and heard my cry for help.
2 He brought me up from a desolate[a] pit,
out of the muddy clay,
and set my feet on a rock,
making my steps secure.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.