Michael Joncas made Psalm 91 famous with his song, “Eagle’s Wings.” You know who else made Psalm 91 famous? Satan.*
And therein lies the difficulty of setting this Psalm to music: the Psalm can range from sweet sentimentality to a grab for power, protection, and control. My song tries to find a middle ground that is honest about the real dangers of this life while trusting God’s love and providence. I chose the repeated phrase “I remain secure” because while bad things can and do harm us, we can trust that the ultimate fate of our lives and souls is in God’s hands.**
My song follows the basic outline of the Psalm’s verses:
1-2 Chorus
3-8 Verse 1
9-13 Verse 2
14-16 Verse 3
Musically, it’s a bright pop tune that doesn’t know what key it’s in. Okay, it’s actually in D major, but because it begins on a G chord and quickly moves to a C, it feels like the key of G. That tension continues throughout the song. I would tell you more riveting tales of tonal ambiguity, but it would take far too much time. Which is exactly what I was thinking about this demo after 8 hours of recording and mixing!
Because I dwell in the shelter of the Mighty One,
and I rest in the shadow of the highest throne,
because I trust in the refuge of a loving God,
I remain secure.
I remain secure.
1. I am surrounded by the snares that have been set.
Dear God, deliver from disease, disaster, death!
I will not fear the terrors of the night.
I will not fear the dangers to my life.
2. You are my refuge, you’re my home and dwelling place.
I rest secure for you are with me all my days.
I will not fear the lion’s crushing might.
I will not fear the serpent’s poisonous bite.
3. I know you love me like a parent loves a child.
You will protect me from the dangers of this life.
I will not fear, in God I am secure.
I will not fear, in God my hope is sure.
*Matthew 4:1-11 The temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.
**I don’t say this in a glib #faithoverfear sort of way. Providence and prayer are ongoing discussions in my head. Please let me know if you figure it out.