Sing a New Song Unto the Lord

This is a joyous song of praise, which is based on Psalm 98:1, 4–6.

It was written by American musician, composer and at-the-time Roman Catholic priest Daniel (Dan) L Schutte (b 1947).

It was first released in the St Louis Jesuits initial released collection, Neither Silver Nor Gold, and included in various hymn-books since. Sheet music is still available from OCP (link below).

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Schutte. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are D_ G d_d c B A GP_ with accompanying chords G / D / B7 / Em.

Image from Max Pixel

Downloads

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Downloadable SATB choir setting
by Douglas E Wagner

Buy sheet music from OCP

Examples

Singer with synthesizer backing, words on-screen (lyric video)

Singer with choir, light band backing:

Youth choir with percussion, recorded live in a church service:

Singer with piano:

Small virtual? choir - professional style recording:

Choir with band - official lyric video:

Singer with reed organ:

Choir and congregation, recorded live in a church service:

Professional recording, small group with band:

Instrumental - contemporary band, with on-screen words:

Lyrics

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

Chorus:
Sing a new song unto the Lord
let your song be sung from mountains high.
Sing a new song unto the Lord,
singing alleluia.

1 [All God's] Yahweh's* people dance for joy ...

2 Rise, O children, from your sleep ...

3 Glad my soul for I have seen ...

* The original version has "Yahweh" at the start of verse 1. With increased sensitivity around saying this word out loud, alternatives are often used. The usual suggestions do not fit easily with the scan of this song: an option used in some communities is "All God' people dance for joy".