Lord of the Dance (hymn)
"Lord of the Dance" is a hymn with words written by English songwriter Sydney Carter in 1967.[1] He adapted the tune from the American Shaker song "Simple Gifts". The hymn is widely performed in English-speaking congregations and assemblies.[2]
It follows the idea of a traditional English carol, "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day" which tells the gospel story in the first person voice of Jesus of Nazareth and originates the device of portraying Jesus' life and mission as a dance.[citation needed] Carter's lyrics show a liveliness and wry humour in his adaptation of the theme which is not present in "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day".[citation needed]
See also
- "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day"
- Nataraja, depiction of Shiva as Lord of the Dance
References
- ^ Elizabeth M. Knowles, The Oxford dictionary of quotations
- ^ Trevor Beeson (2008), "A song and a dance", Round the Church in fifty years, p. 83, ISBN 978-0-334-04148-1
External links
- Stainer & Bell, copyright holders for "Lord of the Dance" hymn.
- "Lord of the Dance" and "Simple Gifts"
- Words to "Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day"