Search for Hymns

Looking for a hymn with a particular character? Each post is tagged based on my experience and opinion of the hymn. See below the list for descriptions of the various tag groups.

Tag Group Descriptions

  • Singability – how easy is it to pick up/familiar, all the way up to having a choir or soloist do this one
  • Mood – from sad to joyful and everything in between. This includes some tempo, as well.
  • Range – is it a low song to sing, does it sit in the middle of a typical range, or does it have a lot of high notes (Low: sits below high C; Moderate: goes up to a D once or twice; High: has long phrases pitched over high C or goes to high E or above)
  • Instruments – some hymns may be better sung with certain kinds of accompaniment to get the most out of them
  • Holy Days – songs meant for particular religious days
  • Liturgical – not necessarily religious holy days but definitely important days in the church year; some are UU-specific, some are connected to secular holidays. I’ve also added into this tag category some topics, like Justice, because some quite useful hymns are hidden in unsuspecting sections.
  • Transitions – songs great for typical and atypical rites of passage for individuals and communities
  • Genre – used to indicate songs that are specifically rounds, introits, doxologies, etc.
  • Content Warning – there may be problematic language around gender, sexuality, ability, class, empire, or other issues around theology, changes in meaning, or in some cases, a problematic tune. Please read the post to see what I’ve seen – you may agree or disagree, but I’d rather flag than not.
  • Use With Care – these songs come from traditions that are not the dominant UU (read: white) culture; context should be offered in the service to avoid misappropriation
  • Tune Recording Available –  you can hear the tune (although not always our lyrics) on one of several sites: Small Church Music, Hymnary, Cyber Hymnal, or of course YouTubewhere there are many, many more available since the COVID pandemic (posts are slooowly being updated to include this information)
  • Hidden Gems – exactly that as you expect; these are hymns I can’t believe I didn’t know already and think are quite special
  • Kimberley’s Nope List – there are some hymns I just don’t like at all and will never use – for any number of reasons. Your Mileage May Vary.
  • Personal Favorite – and then there are some hymns that I love with every fiber of my being. You may too.

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Learn more about my ministry at The Art of Meaning

Read my thoughts about congregational life at Hold My Chalice

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