I was a boy chorister from 8 - 13. In effect I was a professional musician in that I and the choir were fully committed to our craft. We sang every day in chapel, 2 practices a week and two services on Sunday.
There were times when I wished I was doing something else. But what a joy it was to perform great music. In particular I learned to love English and French church music. I never sung this piece. But when my father died I arranged for this to be sung at his memorial service. Not only did we have a spectacular choir but also the band of the Scots Guards!
This is usually sung at the coronation but the words fitted my hopes for my father who died so young - only 55.
I was glad when they said unto me:
we will go into the house of the Lord.
Our feet shall stand in thy gates, O jerusalem.
Jerusalem is builded as a city:
that is at unity in itself.
O pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
they shall prosper that love thee.
Peace be within thy walls:
and plenteousness within thy palaces.
