Have you ever heard that Jew-ish sounding Christian song that goes “King of kings and Lord of lords, glory, hallelujah“? I grew up in a Charismatic/Pentecostal environment so I heard it every so often. Interesting and a little humorous to know that the melody came from a classic Purim tune. According to this article,
“the text of this simple but profound profession of faith was originally cowritten around 1974 by Naomi Batya and Sophie Conty when they were both thirteen years old. Set to a Hebrew folk tune, this chorus made its way into many congregations by way of oral tradition, and was published initially anonymously by Maranatha! Music in 1980. The proper authorship was restored after the girls’ pastor recognized the published song and contacted Maranatha! Music.”
The article does not indicate which “Hebrew folk tune” it was, but the similarity to the Purim niggun Vayehi Bimei Achashverosh is unmistakable. Here are some samples of the Purim song:
- A recorded instrumental version
- A whole mess of Lubavitcher Chassidim at a Purim farbrengen with the Rebbe
In this video below, a rabbi is talking about the significance of each of the three sections of the melody.
Naomi Batya, the co-author of the Christian song, seems to be in the music business still, according to her website.
The King of Kings song has been done and re-done numerous times, probably thanks to the catchy tune. Its minor key made it a hit for 80s Christian meavy metal bands Petra and Seventh Avenue.
Melody begins at the 24-second mark.
Skip ahead to 5:00.
Hey, that’s cool! I have heard that song before. Interesting that it comes from a Hebrew folk tune, possibly the Purim niggun you mention.
We have a Jewish storyteller, Joel ben Izzy on audio. One of our favorite stories has this tune in it and we all would grin big when we’d hear the tune, and wonder if the tune was Jewish first or Christian first. We all immediately decided it had to have been Jewish first. Now you’ve helped settle our wonderment. :)
Bro, this is the best!
It was fun reading your article and watching the videos. Appreciate your interest in the song. Nomi (aka Naomi Batya)