In this current series of posts, we have been considering the use of songs to forge a pathway of true appreciation of poetry for our children. The complexities of poetry can prove a bit abstract for a concrete-minded child, but music can be a useful tool to actually demonstrate the subtleties of the art of poetry.
Today we will look at a hymn which fills all the necessary requirements to earn a place on the well-written song shelf. “O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” has been sung for almost 150 years, and the poetry itself is so inherently musical that the text has been set to several different melodies and arrangements. The story behind the song touches my heart in light of its message. Let us always remember that songs were written in a time and place, and that context can birth a deep connection to the meaning.
“O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” was penned by Samuel Trevor Francis. His poem relates God’s enveloping love to that of a swirling, limitless ocean. One evening as Francis walked through London, downcast in spirit, he contemplated throwing himself off a bridge into the river. His faith was being tested, but instead of giving into despair, he anchored his trust in the love of the Lord and lived to write this beautiful hymn that so poetically portrays the words of Ephesians 3:18-19. The tune “Ebenezer,” which pairs so nicely with the oceanic imagery, is the most widely used melody for the hymn. The poem reads very autobiographically for Francis’ experience on the bridge over the current-driven river that day. Instead of being overtaken by the literal waves of this world, he threw himself into the great deep that is the love of God. What a profound analogy!
For brevity’s sake, we will focus on the first stanza only. As you read the words, read them aloud to yourself. Trust me! Poetry is best read aloud just as songs are best sung aloud. You will notice the meter and the rhythm almost immediately.
O the deep, deep love of Jesus! Vast, unmeasured, boundless, free;
Rolling as a mighty ocean in its fullness over me.
Underneath me, all around me is the current of Thy love,
Leading onward, leading homeward to Thy glorious rest above.
Do you hear the current? Did the regularity of the stressed syllables catch your attention? The artistry of words feels like this strong, yet benevolent ocean. The most popular setting of this hymn, “Ebenezer,” reinforces this feel of a “rolling” ocean with rises and falls that keep coming like the waves upon the sea. When you sing this hymn tune with your children, you may easily sway like you might if you were on the deck of a ship to feel the beat of the song. The swaying will bring the syllable structure into focus, and in no time, you have shown your children the poetic element of meter. You even get bonus points because you kept within the maritime theme with your movement!
The device of rhyme becomes simply delightful to teach children using a song. Children are eager to spot rhymes, but with a song, you have the added delight of singing the rhymes and finding the rhyme scheme. This hymn has a very basic, yet effective, rhyme scheme (AABB) that is highlighted by each musical phrase. Children can hear the actual rhyme scheme and differentiate it from other similar sounds within each line. I also enjoy introducing assonance with this song because of the multiple long E sounds found within the words, and this specific poem assists you in showing your children the difference between a true rhyme and just the same vowel sound in a pair of words.
The last two elements I want to highlight using this song make the true poetic magic happen. Metaphor and atmosphere are the true standouts in this piece’s artistry. Go back to the waves crashing with the pulse of the song. Now picture this “vast, unmeasured, boundless” ocean that is the love of God. Do you feel the never ending, always flowing love of God surrounding you entirely? What atmosphere is set when you think about a totally encompassing sea of God’s perfect love? When you sing with your children and dive into this song, your children should be able to “see” this metaphor and be taken by the atmosphere. When you discuss these elements with your children, it is a perfect time to ask open-ended questions and give validity to any sincere answer. You are helping them to develop their personal taste and their observation skills when you provide a safe place to discuss their own subjective opinions about the arts. As your children form a personal connection with the song, they will inevitably store this big view of the love of God in their hearts.
Oh! So much more can be said, but I will wait for the last post in this series. I truly hope this has helped breathe new life into your treatment of poetry and maybe even into songs that you sing every day. Be on the lookout for Using Songs to Teach Poetry to Children (Part 3–Leveling Up and Down).
Don’t forget to sing with your children today! Your children will probably not care if you were always dressed to the nines, but they will cherish the memories of singing together daily.
Come Sing Together 