Day by Day
"Day by Day" | |
---|---|
Single by Godspell | |
from the album Godspell | |
Released | 1972 |
Genre | Musical theatre |
Length | Script error: No such module "hms". |
Songwriter(s) | Stephen Schwartz |
Day by Day is a popular song from the 1971 musical Godspell that was written by Stephen Schwartz. It is one of the most recognizable songs from the musical and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. The song is known for its simple, uplifting lyrics and melody.
Background[edit | edit source]
Day by Day was one of the first songs written for Godspell, a musical that opened off-Broadway on May 17, 1971. The musical is structured around various parables from the Gospel of Matthew mixed with modern music and lyrics. Day by Day is the third song in the show's sequence and is performed by the character representing the follower of Jesus, expressing a desire to see the world more clearly and to love more dearly, day by day.
Composition[edit | edit source]
The song is noted for its catchy melody and straightforward lyrics, which are derived from a prayer attributed to the 13th-century English bishop Saint Richard of Chichester. The prayer's lines "May I know Thee more clearly, love Thee more dearly, follow Thee more nearly" were adapted into the song's lyrics, "To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day."
Reception[edit | edit source]
Upon its release, Day by Day became a hit in the United States, reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's success helped to popularize the musical Godspell on a broader scale, leading to numerous productions both in the United States and internationally.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Day by Day continues to be an essential part of Godspell performances and is often included in various musical anthologies and compilations. Its message of hope and commitment resonates with audiences, making it a timeless piece in the realm of musical theatre.
Cover versions[edit | edit source]
Over the years, Day by Day has been covered by various artists, showcasing its versatility and wide appeal. Each rendition brings a new flavor to the song, while maintaining the core message of seeking spiritual clarity and closeness.
In popular culture[edit | edit source]
The song has been featured in various films, television shows, and commercials, often used to underscore themes of hope and aspiration. Template:Godspell
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD