Hymns are typically religious songs that are expressions of worship and adoration for a deity. Derived from the Greek word that translates to “a song of praise,” a hymn is often associated with the Christian faith in most English-speaking countries. Christian works are often sung and played as part of weddings, funerals, and other formal ceremonies in Western cultures. Some patriotic songs are regarded similarly as these canticles, such as “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic (Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory).” Praise and adoration have non-religious contexts, so it follows that secular hymns must exist.
What Are Secular Hymns?
A secular hymn is a nonreligious song with elements that are commonly associated with religious anthems. In ancient times, such songs were commissioned by royalty as odes to people and civilizations. In modern times, enduring songs have emerged that could be viewed as being secular hymns. Some popular examples include the following songs:
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “Bridge Over Troubled Water” by Simon and Garfunkel
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen, particularly the recording by John Cale
- “No Woman, No Cry” by Bob Marley
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland
- “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles
- “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
- “Imagine” by John Lennon
- “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan
Secular hymns aren’t necessarily of a particular genre, style, or tempo. It’s worth exploring some commonalities between these nonreligious songs.
What Are the Characteristics of Such Hymns?
Many of these songs share the following characteristics:
- Timelessness: Secular hymns remain popular over time, transcending generations and cultures. Even people who weren’t alive during the songs’ initial releases recognize and appreciate them. Some of these songs have also been famously covered by other artists, further cementing their hymnlike status. One example is Patti LaBelle’s version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”
- Themes of redemption or deliverance: Similar to their Christian counterparts, secular hymns often contain themes of redemption or deliverance, especially in the context of a fallen state. Such songs tend to be inspirational, such as Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now.”
- Spiritual overtones: Secular hymns may contain religious or spiritual overtones without explicitly referring to a particular faith. They often inspire similar depths of feeling as religious songs. See hits such as “Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night and “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen.
- Themes or metaphors based on opposites: It’s not uncommon to find a theme in a nonreligious anthem based on a metaphor of good and evil, light and darkness, up and down, and so on. James Taylor’s “Fire and Rain” is one such example.
- Transcendence of original meaning: These hymns not only endure, but they evolve in the minds of listeners. Many of these songs have transcended their original meanings and are received differently than the original intent. Whitney Houston’s famous cover of Dolly Parson’s “I Will Always Love You” may be one of the most popular versions. Dolly Parson wrote this song as an ode to a former manager. Despite the sense of loss in the lyrics, Houston’s cover is a popular choice for weddings and anniversaries.
- Special occasions: Secular hymns are often go-to songs for special occasions and celebrations such as weddings, funerals, anniversaries, and so on. These songs may also be associated with a major historic event. Enya’s “Only Time” was commonly associated with memorials to those who died in the September 11 attacks.
Irrespective of time, style, or genre, secular hymns transcend these definitions to evoke deep feelings for listeners from all walks of life. Similar to religious songs, these hymns are often embraced as the soundtrack to some of our highest and lowest moments. The beauty of these works speaks to the power of music to inspire, soothe, and help us process the events of our lives.