"On Eagle's Wings" is a devotional hymn composed by Michael Joncas. Its words are based on Psalm 91,[1] Book of Exodus 19, and Gospel of Matthew 13.[2] Joncas wrote the piece in either 1976[3] or 1979,[1][4] after he and his friend, Douglas Hall, returned from a meal to learn that Hall's father had died of a heart attack.[5] It was recorded in 1979, with Hall as producer, published by North American Liturgy Resources and later purchased by New Dawn Music, a subsidiary of Oregon Catholic Press. It has become popular as a contemplative hymn at Catholic Masses as well as at Protestant services of worship.

It is now sung during services of many Christian denominations, including Pentecostal churches, and was performed at many of the funerals of victims of the September 11, 2001, attacks. It is often performed either at the beginning or the ending of a Roman Catholic funeral Mass. It has been performed at many internationally broadcast papal Masses, was selected as part of the 2007 funeral Mass for Luciano Pavarotti in Modena, Italy, also broadcast internationally.

Joe Biden referred to and recited the hymn in his presidential victory speech on November 7, 2020. He said the hymn was important to his family and his deceased son Beau, who died of brain cancer in 2015.[6] Joncas was "honored and humbled".[5]

Cover versions

In 1998, the tenor Michael Crawford released his album, On Eagle's Wings, on which Joncas' song is the first track.[7]

The Italian DJ Gigi D'Agostino recorded a dance cover version of this song for his 2004 album L'Amour Toujours II,[8] included also in the Benessere 1 compilation.

The Christian duo Shane & Shane recorded the song for their 2015 album Psalms II under the title "Psalm 91 (On Eagles' Wings)" covering the song based on Joncas' composition.

The Baroque pop singer Lana Del Rey recorded a cover version of "On Eagle's Wings" in 2020.[9]

References

  1. 1 2 Dela Cruz, Darlene J.M. (December 30, 2013). "Response to 'On Eagle's Wings' over the years humbling for composer". Catholic Philly. Catholic News Service.
  2. ↑ Joncas, Michael. "On Eagle's Wings/En Sus Alas". Oregon Catholic Press.
  3. ↑ "Plaque serves as permanent reminder of origin of beloved hymn 'On Eagle's Wings'". Omaha World-Herald. July 8, 2014.
  4. ↑ Dela Cruz, Darlene J.M. (September 13, 2013). "The composers of two much-loved hymns, performing on Oahu this month, explain how the songs came to be". Hawaii Catholic Herald.
  5. 1 2 Colleen Dulle (December 18, 2017). ""On Eagle's Wings": The simple origin of the song that makes the world cry". America The Jesuit Review. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  6. ↑ Subramanian, Courtney. "Biden's faith comes through in speech, quoting Catholic hymn and Bible verse". USA Today. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
  7. ↑ Joyce, Mike (July 17, 1998). "Michael Crawford: "On Eagle's Wings"". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
    - Crawford, Michael. "On Eagle's Wings". YouTube. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  8. ↑ "Gigi D'Agostino – L'Amour Toujours II". Discogs. Retrieved June 22, 2021.
  9. ↑ Neale, Matthew (November 8, 2020). "Lana Del Rey covers 'On Eagle's Wings' in tribute to Biden victory". NME. Retrieved May 7, 2022.

Further reading


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