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Sometimes you find things when you’re not looking for them, and realize they’ve been there all along.
My wife asked me to arrange “O My Father” for her this month because it contains one of the few references to Heavenly Mother.
Right on. I like things that are different.
Since that was her reasoning for picking the hymn, I wanted to stick to that angle for the inspiration of the arrangement. But musically, it was going to be difficult without pulling in another hymn or reference to highlight Heavenly Mother.
So I started going through the hymnbook looking for motherly hymns while the Sacrament was being passed one Sunday (since starting this site, I’ve found it’s one of the best times to get inspiration for these hymns.) I then whipped out my phone and started going through the primary hymnbook on it while everyone around me probably thought I was on Facebook.
I came to “I Often Go Walking”
I remember singing this in primary. I always loved it. Still do. Plus, it’s about being reminded of your mother. Perfect fit.
So I started looking at both of them trying to figure out where in “O My Father” would be a good place to pull in “I Often Go Walking.”
And then it happened. I realized how perfect of a fit it was.
Random side note: Have you ever seen National Treasure? It’s ridiculous. But I love it. It’s OK, you can admit that you do too. Who doesn’t love treasure hunting and bad acting?
Well I had a National Treasure moment. You know, the moment they found the map on the back of the Declaration of Independence. (Oh yeah, Spoiler alert!)
Something they had been looking for all their lives was right there the entire time. Hidden. But there.
You see, I realized ….
O My Father and I Often Go Walking are the same hymn.
Same chords. Same changes. Same length. Same message. The melodies weave in and out of each other in perfect harmony. Neither is dominant.
They are one.
I didn’t need to pull in I Often Go Walking. It was already there. I just hadn’t seen it before.
Now, was this ever the intent of the authors? I’m sure it wasn’t. But some things just happen. And I’m one who chooses not to believe in coincidences.
I’m not going to get into the doctrine about why there are only a few references to our Heavenly Mother in the scriptures and why we don’t focus on her. It’s not important.
What is important, is that she exists. And she loves us.
That’s a little weird to say, or even type. But this month I’ve come to realize it’s true.
She isn’t just a lyric in a hymn or a few verses of scripture. She’s one half of our heavenly parents.
She’s there. Somewhere. Maybe closer than we realize. And maybe She’s been there the whole time.
O my Father, thou that dwellest
In the high and glorious place,
When shall I regain thy presence
And again behold thy face?
In thy holy habitation,
Did my spirit once reside?
In my first primeval childhood
Was I nurtured near thy side?
For a wise and glorious purpose
Thou hast placed me here on earth
And withheld the recollection
Of my former friends and birth;
Yet ofttimes a secret something
Whispered, “You’re a stranger here,”
And I felt that I had wandered
From a more exalted sphere.
I had learned to call thee Father,
Thru thy Spirit from on high,
But, until the key of knowledge
Was restored, I knew not why.
In the heav’ns are parents single?
No, the thought makes reason stare!
Truth is reason; truth eternal
Tells me I’ve a mother there.
When I leave this frail existence,
When I lay this mortal by,
Father, Mother, may I meet you
In your royal courts on high?
Then, at length, when I’ve completed
All you sent me forth to do,
With your mutual approbation
Let me come and dwell with you.
Dan Rasband
Posted at 04:29h, 02 MarchNice job, Ben! Another beautiful arrangement.
Christy S.
Posted at 07:12h, 02 MarchBlown. Away.
Dan W.
Posted at 09:33h, 02 MarchThe layering of these two songs was brilliant. It’s expertly crafted and gorgeous to listen to.
Really proud of you Ben. Thanks for continuing to put so much good out in the world. I think your mother would be proud. :)
Jeremy
Posted at 10:18h, 02 MarchAbsolutely beautiful. Halfway through realized you were playing both songs at the same time. I recently discovered Mormon Guitar. Now I’m telling everyone. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Diane Greene
Posted at 11:44h, 02 MarchI love the way you present such wonderful gospel messages through your music. Keep sharing your beautiful testimony with your gift of music.
Landry Penrod
Posted at 04:37h, 10 MarchI have been looking for arrangements like these for years. You are very gifted and thank you for sharing your gifts with the rest of us.
Kirk Haselden
Posted at 07:56h, 12 MarchWonderful composition Ben. Simply can’t wait for the Motabs! :)
Missy
Posted at 07:42h, 03 AprilThank you for this gorgeous arrangement. I have to be honest, I bawled all the way through. This hit me on so many levels. Thank you.
Cort Maughan
Posted at 11:59h, 20 AprilWhat a brilliant “marriage” of two beautiful songs!
Thank you!
Will Christensen
Posted at 16:20h, 20 AprilFirst, I would just like to thank you for that arrangement. That has always been a favorite and powerful song for me, and you’re totally right! Those songs do completely meld together. I have learned a few of your songs from the MOTABS and I would like to learn this one, but it hasn’t been MOTAB’ed yet. So I was just wondering when one might be out that I can use. Thanks and keep up the beautiful work.
Kirk
Posted at 12:06h, 07 MayHey,
You’re a busy meistro, but wondering if this arrangement is gonna come online or if it’s posted somewhere and I’m missing it?
Excited to learn it.
Michael Miles
Posted at 07:31h, 01 JuneBen, I have only discovered your music this morning, and as I have been exploring the arrangements you have done so far, my spirit has been drawn into awe and reverence.
This (O My Father) was the first arrangement I listened to, and I was struck with the serene beauty that you so skillfully express with your talented playing. Your arrangements and playing are so full of feeling and complexity, and yet are sweet and simple and pure. Never before did I think I would feel the Spirit close as I listened to someone play the electric guitar (I Am a Child of God). The way you pour your heart into these is really touching.
These uploads were exactly what I was looking for this morning, and I am very grateful. They are very beautiful and bring in the Spirit in a wonderful way. God bless you for sharing your testimony like this.
Your grateful brother,
Michael
Kirk
Posted at 02:07h, 08 JulyOK, bro! Where can we get the CD?
Jody R
Posted at 18:33h, 28 JulyBen,I have always loved music,especially the guitar. I am 61 years old and just learning to play. I was looking for lds guitar music, hymns and primary songs when I came upon your music. I was completely blown away. You are amazing! I will never live long enough to play like that or even close to that but you inspired me tremendously. Do you write chords for your music or have any recomendations of where I can look? Thanks so much for sharing your talent! Also do you have any CD’s out or are you on Itunes?
Look forward to hearing from you and seeing what you come up with next!
Thannks
Granny J
Blake D
Posted at 06:55h, 30 JulyI would really appreciate it if you could do a tutorial and everything else you do on the song “Hope of Israel”
Thanks
Jody R
Posted at 07:30h, 01 AugustDo you ever do any performances or concerts? I would love to see and hear you play in person
edwinlefty
Posted at 08:44h, 24 SeptemberNice, Es lo mejor que e escuchado hasta ahora felicitaciones por tu éxito.
Becca Lawler Kearl
Posted at 12:21h, 10 MayI was looking for tabs for O My Father and was pleasantly surprised to find this. My grandmother wrote I Often Go Walking! She passed a few years ago, but I sent this arrangement along to my dad and aunt and asked if they had any insight to the chords she chose. Thank you for a cosmically aligned mashup on Mother’s Day!
Tyler Swenson
Posted at 16:13h, 06 JanuaryHey Ben, I’m a young guitar player and I’ve played for about 8 years. A couple years ago I was asked to play in sacrament and found your site. I played lord I would follow thee. Ever since then I’ve learned your hymns, been inspired to compose my own and even preformed various times in church. I just clicked on this song and I’ve never heard something so beautiful and this arrangement is something special. Just wanted to say thank you for helping me feel the spirit!