SLANE
SLANE is an old Irish folk tune associated with the ballad tcWith My Love Come on the Road” in Patrick W. Joyce’s Old IrishFolk Music and Songs (1909). It became a hymn tune when it was arranged by David Evans and set to the Irish hymn “Be Thou My Vision” published in the Church Hymnary (1927). SLANE is named for a hill in County Meath, Ireland, where St. Patrick’s lighting of an Easter fire—an act of defiance against the pagan king Loegaire (fifth century)—led to his unlimited freedom to preach the gospel in Ireland. SLANE is an attractive tune with phrases that demonstrate a wide range and creative melodic patterns. The harmonization, one of two settings in The Hymnal 1982, is accessible to good singers (especially to low basses!), but most congregations may prefer unison throughout. Support the singing with rather light but energetic accom paniment. Liturgical Use: Occasions of worship that focus on trusting the Lord’s guidance; the hymn’s “all day” theme also permits a choice of stanzas for specific times.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Progressive intimacy with Christ: from petition for vision, through relational communion, to renunciation of worldly goods, culminating in eschatological hope and perseverance