Long Ago, Prophets Knew facts for kids
Quick facts for kids "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" |
|
|---|---|
|
|
| Hymn | |
| Published | 1970 |
| Composer(s) | Traditional, adapted by Gustav Holst |
| Lyricist(s) | Fred Pratt Green |
"Long Ago, Prophets Knew" is a popular Christian song. It is also known as "Long Ago, Prophets Knew, Christ would come born a Jew". This song is an Advent carol, which means it's sung during the time leading up to Christmas. Reverend Fred Pratt Green wrote the words for this English carol in 1970.
How the Song Was Made
Fred Pratt Green, a Methodist minister (a type of Christian church leader), wrote "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" in 1970. He wrote it because John Wilson asked him to. A year later, Green published the song himself in his book called "26 Hymns".
The song became very popular in the Church of England (the main Christian church in England). It was included in a songbook called More Hymns for Today in 1980. Then, it appeared in another important songbook, Hymns Ancient and Modern – New Standard, in 1983.
In 1986, a new songbook called The New English Hymnal was being put together. This book needed songs for special church services. George Timms, a church leader, asked for "Long Ago, Prophets Knew" to be included. He wanted to add newer songs to the collection. This carol was one of about 50 songs written after 1950 that made it into the book of 506 hymns.
Even though the song was written for Advent, people also sing it as a Christmas carol. Baptist churches use this carol with Bible readings from 2 Samuel:7 and Romans 16:17-25. Methodist churches often sing it on the Fourth Sunday in Advent.
The Music for the Song
Fred Pratt Green chose an old tune called "Personent hodie" for his carol. The song was first written to be played on an organ. It has a special rhythm called a 66.666 metre.
Later, another way to play the song was created using thirteen handbells. This was done to match the words in the chorus: "ring bells, ring, ring, ring!" This carol is a good example of a modern song that uses an older style. It repeats a single sound in the chorus, which makes it catchy and easy to remember.
