[Feature Story] The Love of the Lord in the Melody of 'Arirang'
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October 02, 2011 |
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A Korean traditional song, 'Arirang', is widely sung and played by people of different nationalities. Almost everyone says that the song has a melody that is beautiful and easy to sing.
It has been arranged into a variety of genres by many singers. World-renowned musicians remade the song. And not long ago, Yuna Kim, figure skater moved the people around the world with her performance of "In Homage to Korea" which was to an arrangement of 'Arirang'. An arrangement of this song is included in hymnals in the U.S. and Canada and sung by Christians. The beautiful melody has touched many people.
Manmin Central Church members also sing the song with different lyrics. The members feel so happy when singing the song. The song has a lovely melody and the lyrics express our love and thanks for the Lord so well that the congregation is filled with the love of Father God and the Lord while singing the song.
The Melody of 'Arirang' is Included in Hymns
Missionary Homer Bezaleel Hulbert (1863-1949) wrote its music notes on a blank sheet of music manuscript paper for the first time at the end of 1896. His work made it known to other people in foreign countries.
'Arirang' is included in a hymnal published by the American United Prebyterian Church, under the name 'Christ, You Are the Fullness.'
 Bert Polman, a professor of music at Calvin College in Michigan composed the lyrics because the beauty of the tune drew him. He submitted the song to the Compilation Committee of Hymn. There were other 3,000 hymns waiting for them to be included in the hymn book. But all the committee members from the U.S and Canada agreed to include the song. The reason why they chose it was that they thought the tune was so beautiful.
The Love of God is Included in the Song 'Arirang'
'Arirang' embraces the joy and sorrows of Koreans. Their emotion is well-expressed in the song. If you are Korean, you will be touched by the song just listening to it. Some say Arirang is the best hymn song in human history.
When we understand what the lyrics mean, we can feel the love of Father God for souls. Thus, let's keep the love in our minds and sing the song for souls.
Explanation of the Lyrics
*Arirang Arirang Arariyo I am crossing the Arirang pass
The song 'Arirang' had been passed down orally. The title, 'Arirang' was originally pronounced 'Al-irang.' Here, Al is a derivative of El, which means God as used in the word, 'Bethel.' In other words, Al refers to God and Irang means 'with'. Therefore, Al-irang means 'with God'. To cross the Arirang Pass, in the end, means 'to be with God in a life journey.'
*If you leave me, you will have sore feet
This is neither criticism nor curse. 'If you leave me' means that you leave the one who walks with God on the pass. That is, one 'who leaves' is the one who leaves God the Creator and takes a different way. It means 'I want you to come back to me even if you have sore feet'.
'My earnest hope to get you back into my arms' is the heart of God. This is the song filled with love for the people who have forsaken their faith. This is the song of love that we have to sing for those who have left the arms of the Lord.
*There are many stars in the sky and we have great hope in our hearts
It means we have so much sorrow in our hearts, yet this sorrow does not belong to the world. This sorrow is according to the will of God as in 2 Corinthians 7:10 that says, "For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death."
We have to sing this song, Arirang, for those who leave "Me". We had better think of the heart of God who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth and deliver the fervent love for souls.
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