As the Deer - Nystrom

This contemporary-style worship song, based on Psalm 42, was written by American teacher and at-the-time-of-writing Bible College student Martin J (Marty) Nystrom (ref). in 1981.   It was first published in 1984 by Maranatha!.

American Hymn Society member Lydia Pederson wrote verses 2 and 3, to make the song a more complete setting of the Psalm (ref).    This is why there is such a stylistic difference between the original verse and chorus (which use language from the King James Bible) and the other verses.   Some people change the first verse and chorus to use language from more modern versions.   However the original remains copyright, so this should not be done without approval.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Nystrom. This has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of D, the first few notes are F A A FE D E GF.

Downloads

Several different choral arrangements.

Examples

Solo singer and chorus with piano and band:

Welsh school choir in a televised competition - piano accompaniment, English and Welsh verses:

Sunday school choir with keyboard /backing:

Instrumental - piano and orchestra:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul ...

Chorus:
You alone are my strength, my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart's desire
And I long to worship Thee

You're my friend and You are my brother ...

I want You more than gold or silver ....