What is singing? One may ask. Perhaps there will be different answers according to one’s personal perception. The writer’s definition of singing is “a sequence of melodious sounds by a person’s voice.”
There are basically five different voice types, namely soprano, alto, tenor, bass, and contralto.
Soprano is the highest-sounding female singing voice. Some boys naturally sing soprano until their voices are fully developed. Alto is a low female voice. Tenor is the highest male voice. Bass is a low male voice. Contralto is a very rare lower-than-alto sounding voice. Then there is the baritone voice. Baritone falls between a high tenor and a lower bass. Baritone is a very rich sounding male voice.
Most group singing, such as choirs, utilize the different voice types because they blend well together for recitals and other performances. Musical instruments are designed and tuned to play all notes simultaneously. The soprano voice carries the tune; while the other voices harmonize with their individual sounds.
Traditionally, people have enjoyed singing while engaged in various types of work activities, including household chores. It seems to lighten the burden of work more accommodating. People sing while driving, standing, sitting, walking, running, and even while taking a shower.
Singing in the evening, singing at twilight too
Singing drives the clouds of despair away
Singing will make life’s burdens much lighter
Singing makes your day bright and optimistic
Singing may inspire others to join you in song
Singing brings comfort and joy to the soul.
Geoff Daniels 04/2022
For the Christian, singing is an expression of worship and praise to Almighty God who created us with the voices to sing. The Bible exhorts us to sing praises and sing joyfully to the Lord.
”Oh sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth! Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day” (Psalm 96:1,2).
“Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly” (Psalm 149:1).
Christians are not only to sing to the Lord a new song as individual believers, but also when the local Church meets for worship services and other spiritual activities. The text says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly.” Some churches have a “song service” or a “praise team” during Sunday worship.
When God miraculously delivered Israel through the Red Sea, the Scripture says, “Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the LORD, saying, I will sing to the LORD, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea. The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation” (Exodus 15:1,2).
Moses and the people of Israel testified of God’s deliverance from Pharaoh’s pursuit of them. This song is praise to God as it declares “The LORD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
For the Christian, a song can be a wonderful testimony of God’s goodness and mercy. King David was very grateful for what God had done for him. And in reflection, he said, “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD” (Psalm 40:3). Singing accompanied by a musical instrument can be a lasting joy. David was renowned for his skill in playing the harp, it is believed he played and sang that song in the Psalm for worship to the Lord his God.
One doesn’t have to be a gifted or trained singer. Instead, sing with the intent to praise and glorify God. Others may laugh or even mock, but in a coming day you will have the last laugh.
The Bible exhorts us to sing. “But be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual; songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Ephesians 5:18,19).
Sing, sing, sing. Sing and rejoice. Sing unto God. Amen.