Having a father who had an operatic voice and a mother who was a gifted pianist, I learned early that most things we say to each other can be said more profoundly and passionately with music.
The words "I love you" become an anthem for the ages when set to the right melody. The same goes for feelings of gratitude. When thankfulness is expressed in song, our gratitude deepens, expands and even soars.
So, in the name of Thanksgiving, let me offer my five favorite hymns of thanks:
"How Great Thou Art"
This hymn was burnished by many hands before it came to America. The Rev. Stuart K. Hine heard it in Russia in 1923 and translated it into English.
George Beverly Shea, who toured with Billy Graham, made it the nation's most popular hymn in 1974.
President Ezra Taft Benson loved it and helped bring it into the LDS hymnal.
In Brigham City, my father sang it at dozens of funerals and farewells.
"Thanks Be to God"
I sang this anthem at BYU in the early 1970s as a member of the oratorio choir there. It comes from Felix Mendelssohn's masterwork, "Elijah." It is the vaulting, thrilling cry of gratitude by the Children of Israel after a long drought. As Dr. Halladay used to tell us, "It's always good for goosebumps."
"Now Thank We All Our God"
The words to this hymn were written in 1636 — almost 400 years ago. They are a testament to the staying power of heartfelt language.
The tune was composed in 1647. It is a testament to the staying power of wonderful music.
"Awesome God"
As members of the LDS Church, we sometimes get frustrated because the music of LDS songwriters is kept out of Christian music stores. But how often do we sample the music those stores have to offer? If you want a taste of Christian popular music, a good place to begin is with Rich Mullins, a young songwriter who was tragically killed in an auto accident. Among his best are "If I Stand," "Elijah" and "Let Mercy Lead," but this full-blooded, full- voiced tribute may be his most recorded song.
"Thanks to the Father"
I've written about this little children's hymn before. Take one of the greatest composers of all time — Josef Haydn. Now take one of the greatest novelists of all time — Robert Louis Stevenson. Toss them together. What do you get? You get this elegant and lovely song filled with childlike gratitude.
If you have read to this point, you're obviously interested in the subject. So send me your choice for finest hymn of gratitude, give a reason why and I'll include it in a future column.
Jerry Johnston is a Deseret News staff writer. "New Harmony" appears weekly in Mormon Times.
e-mail: jerjohn@desnews.com