Hymns and Lullabies| Posted September 06, 2020 Evensong is the first new studio album for Keith and Kristyn Getty since 2016’s Facing a Task Unfinished. It is not your usual album of new modern hymns from the Gettys, but rather a Kristyn Getty solo project born out of a family tradition. The Gettys close out their days with a time of reflection in thought, song, and prayer. These are lullabies and hymns that they have sung to and for their own children.
The project was recorded in Nashville during the COVID-19 shelter at home season. Ben Shive, who produced the album with Keith and Kristyn, was able to gather recordings from each musical collaborator and create a project fusing the Celtic, folk, bluegrass, classical, and Americana sound the Gettys have become known for. The musical backing is more restrained than a normal Getty album, but no less beautiful. The cover art was specially created by internationally renowned Irish artist Ross Wilson. The album features guest appearances from Vince Gill, Heather Headley, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, Deborah Kelmme and Sandra McCracken.
Below are a few thoughts about each song: Hush-a-by (Come Unto Me and Rest) – This song was written by Keith and Kristyn Getty. The song begins with the first verse from Horatius Bonar’s 1846 hymn “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”, and then moves into a “Hush-a-by Baby” lullaby. The beautiful song features piano, acoustic guitar, percussion, bass and strings.
Key lyric: Hush-a-by baby The Lord surely keeps
Mother and child in His arms
He keeps us both in His arms Sun of My Soul (Shine) – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Sandra McCracken. The song features acoustic guitar, light percussion and the beautiful harmonies of Kristyn Getty, Sandra McCracken and Skye Peterson
Key lyric: Sun of my soul, steady my gaze As daylight runs its race
Your Word is a lamp unto my feet
On this journey Consider the Stars – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Fionan De Barrs, and originally appeared on the 2016 album Facing a Task Unfinished. The song features piano, strings, and a tender vocal from Kristyn Getty. The song is a lullaby that was written for the Getty’s daughters to help them go to sleep at night
Key lyric: Do not be afraid He who made all of this, says “You’re worth more than this,”
And holds you in his hands Softly and Tenderly/Ashokan Farewell (Medley) – “Softly and Tenderly” was written by Will L. Thompson in 1880. A new verse was written by Kristyn Getty. “Ashokan Farewell” was written by Jay Unger. The song features vocals by Vince Gill, Ellie Holcomb, Sierra Hull, and Deborah Klemme. The song features acoustic guitar, bass, violin and beautiful harmonies.
Key lyric: Come home, come home Ye who are weary come home
Earnestly, tenderly, Jesus is calling
Calling O sinner come home Is He Worthy? – This song was written by Andrew Peterson and Ben Shive. The song features piano and vocals from the Getty’s daughters
Key lyric: Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory?
Is He worthy of this? He is Lily in the Valley – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive. The beautiful song features acoustic guitar, strings, and Kristyn singing a part of the song in French.
Key lyric: He is the pearl you seek And worry adds no single hour
But He knows every need His Eye is on the Sparrow – This song was written by Gene Bartlett, Charles Gabriel and Civilla D. Martin, and features the vocals of Heather Headley. The song features piano, light percussion, strings, and excellent vocals by Getty and Headley.
Key lyric: I sing because I’m happy
I sing because I’m free His eye is on the sparrow
And I know He watches me Jesus, Friend of Little Children/Jesus Loves Me – “Jesus, Friend of Little Children” was written by Walter John Mathams. “Jesus Loves Me” was written by Anna B. Warner and William Bradbury. Additional lyrics were written by Keith and Kristyn Getty. The song features acoustic guitar, an accordion sounding instrument, and the vocals of the Getty daughters.
Key lyric: Never leave me, nor forsake me Ever be my friend
For I need Thee from life’s dawning
To its end The Lord is in His Holy Temple – This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Ben Shive. This beautiful song features piano, bass, and an excellent choir. My favorite song on the album.
Key lyric: The Lord is in His holy temple
Let all the earth keep silence My Heart is Fill with Thankfulness – This song was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend and originally appeared on the 2012 album Hymns for the Christian Life. The song features piano and beautiful strings.
Key lyric: For ev’ry day I have on earth Is given by the King;
So I will give my life, my all,
To love and follow Him. Keep Letting the Light In – This song was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa. The song features piano and strings.
Key lyric: He who said let there be light Will surely overcome the night
As another day begins
Keep letting the light in Abide With Me – This song was written by William Henry Monk. The song features strings, piano, light horns, and backing choir.
Key lyric: Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if Thou abide with me Evensong - This song was written by Kristyn Getty and Matt Papa. The song features acoustic guitar, a backing choir, strings,
Key lyric: Now, turn our hearts toward Thy way Help those in doubt, in loss, in pain
Oh Lord, have mercy on this world
Thy song of hope be ever heard Best songs:
Sun of My Soul (Shine)
Softly and Tenderly/Ashokan Farewell (Medley)
His Eye is on the Sparrow
The Lord is in His Holy Temple
Abide with Me
to add lyrics if not listed.
