O give thanks unto the Lord, for He is good.
Psalm 136:1
Words: Henry S. Washburn, 1842. These words were written for a celebration in Faneuil Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, July 4, 1842, and sung by Sunday school children of the city.
Music: George G. Webb, 1848 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Webb (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Let every heart rejoice and sing,
Let choral anthems rise;
Ye agèd men, and children, bring
To God your sacrifice.
Refrain
For He is good, the Lord is good,
And kind are all His ways;
With songs and honors sounding loud,
The Lord Jehovah praise;
While the rocks and the rills,
While the vales and the hills
A glorious anthem raise;
Let each prolong the grateful song,
And the God of our fathers praise,
And the God of our fathers praise.
He bids the sun to rise and set;
In Heav’n His power is known;
And earth, subdued to Him, shall yet
Bow low before His throne.
Refrain