Here
is (most of) a setting of Psalm 148 by the 18th century hymn writer,
Isaac Watts. It is set in 8.8.8.8. meter
(Long Meter). See below for tune
suggestions if you want to try singing it.
Universal praise to God
(a setting of Psalm
148)
Awake,
ye tempests, and his fame
In
sounds of dreadful praise declare;
And
the sweet whisper of his name
Fill
every gentler breeze of air.
Let
clouds, and winds, and waves agree
To
join their praise with blazing fire;
Let
the firm earth and rolling sea
In
this eternal song conspire.
Ye
flowery plains, proclaim his skill;
Valleys,
lie low before his eye;
And
let his praise from every hill
Rise
tuneful to the neighb'ring sky.
Ye
stubborn oaks, and stately pines,
Bend
your high branches and adore:
Praise
him, ye beasts, in diff'rent strains;
The
lamb must bleat, the lion roar.
Birds,
ye must make his praise your theme;
Nature
demands a song from you;
While
the dumb fish that cut the stream
Leap
up, and mean his praises too.
Mortals,
can you refrain your tongue,
When
nature all around you sings?
O
for a shout from old and young,
From
humble swains and lofty kings!
Wide
as his vast dominion lies
Make
the Creator's name be known;
Loud
as his thunder shout his praise,
And
sound it lofty as his throne.
Jehovah!
'tis a glorious word:
O
may it dwell on every tongue!
But
saints, who best have known the Lord,
Are
bound to raise the noblest song.
Speak
of the wonders of that love
Which
Gabriel plays on every chord:
From
all below, and all above,
Loud
hallelujahs to the Lord!
~
Isaac Watts
Tune
suggestions:
OLD
HUNDREDTH (Praise God from whom all
blessings flow)
DUKE
STREET (Jesus shall reign where’er the
sun)
TRURO
(Lift up your heads, O mighty gates)
or
any other tune in 8.8.8.8 meter (see tune index at the back of any hymnal)
