“Brother James’s Air” is a version of “The Lord’s My Shepherd” which is a paraphrase of Psalm 23, probably the best known of the Psalms. The original tune was composed by James L M Bain in the mid 19th century. Our arrangement is by Gordon Jacob who completed the arrangement in 1934.
It has been recorded by several choirs, most notably the Mormon Tabernacle Choir from Salt Lake City, Utah.
The full text of Psalm 23 is (King James version):
1. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.