Scripture References:
all st. = Luke 1:46-55
One of the first hymn texts written by Timothy Dudley-Smith (PHH 233), this free paraphrase of the Song of Mary from Luke 1:46-55 is his best known. It was first published in the Anglican Hymn Book (1965). Dudley-Smith writes of this text:
I did not think of myself . . . as having in any way the gifts of a hymn-writer when in May 1961 I jotted down a set of verses, beginning "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord." I was reading a review copy of the New English Bible New Testament, in which that line appears exactly as I have put it above; I saw in it the first line of a poem, and speedily wrote the rest (Dudley-Smith 1984).
The text calls us to proclaim the greatness "of the Lord" (st. 1), "of his name" (st. 2), "of his might" (st. 3), and "of his word" (st. 4). The text's strong language captures the spirit of Mary's exuberant song of praise to God. The powerful text contrasts with the humble meditative setting of the Song of Mary at 212. A third, partial setting of Mary's Song is found at 622–sung to a Taize round.
Liturgical Use:
Advent; Christmas; other services in which a jubilant setting of the Song of Mary is appropriate; Mary's Song is traditionally appointed for vespers; see additional comments at PHH 212.
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook, 1988
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