WATCH:
Doctrinal Content
The text helps the young child remember the forty days and forty nights Christ spent in the desert and the length of time the Church spends in preparation for the great Season of Easter.
Origin of Text
George Hunt Smyttan (1822-1870)
Origin of Melody
Hymn Tune: Heinlein by Martin Herbst (1654-1681)
The origin of this hymn is the Lutheran tradition. It is appropriate for Catholics to borrow from other Christian denominations that which is good and true and can assist us in our journey together.
Musical Analysis
Minor key
Time signature – 4/4
Note values – quarter and half notes
Intervals – descending 5th, half step MI-FA, DO-TI, LA-TEH, ascending and descending minor 3rd
Teaching Recommendations
Rhymes in the poetry help the youngest children memorize the words.
It is not recommended with children who are not yet reading to ask them to sing more than one verse.
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Text – Public Domain
