The Lord Is On My Head
The Odes of Solomon: No. 1, The Lord Is On My Head
The Lord Is On My Head is the first song from a beautiful collection of ancient anonymous poetry known as the Odes of Solomon. Scholars believe the original poetry was written in either Syriac, Aramaic, or Greek, and may date as early as 100 C.E. If so, these texts may represent some of the earliest Christian worship texts!
The texts resemble the Psalms, though they are distinctly Christian. They share an affinity with the Gospel of John, thought they do not reference or quote from the New Testament. Scholarly consensus is that these mysterious Odes may represent early Baptismal liturgy, because of the frequent imagery of renewal, rebirth, and water found throughout.
I’ve attempted to capture the essence of this first Ode through a lilting, joyful piano accompaniment. The piano undergirds an almost chant-like song of praise that alternates with a wordless, ecstatic, and expressive melody representing thankfulness and worship.
Observant and curious musicians may find small pictures of budding flowers and woven branches hidden throughout the accompaniment and voices –matching the poem ’ s metaphor of Christ as a living, woven crown upon the heads of those who love Him.
-Timothy Michael Powell, composer
The Lord Is On My Head
The Odes of Solomon, No. 1 (ca. 100-300 C. E.)
Translated from Syriac by J. Rendel Harris
Adapted by TMP for SAA choir and piano
Timothy Michael Powell,