Words and Tune by Jim Niehoff
Arranged by Don Phillips
You will enjoy the touch of ‘southern gospel’ this work displays. The general theme of this arrangement centers on the great price Christ paid, not because of our worth but ‘in spite’ of our unworthiness (see text: "All the things of earth grow dim when we place them next to Him?" / "So unworthy, Lord, of Your gracious love" / "it’s self that we’re thinking of"). This work pairs a very singable line with a straightforward accompaniment. A key change helps bring the song to a dramatic high point (pp. 4-5). The piece ends rather quietly on the phrase: ‘Thank You, Lord."
This work pairs a very singable line with a straightforward accompaniment. One needs to be careful though, the temptation will be to sing through some of the large melodic intervals, even sliding from one note to another. This needs to be avoided because it lessens the impact of the text and tune. The refrain utilizes ‘quarter-note triplets’, ensure that these are equal subdivisions. Also, keep holding back until the key change, then let the choir ‘ring forth’ on the last refrain (bottom of p. 4). "Undeserving" is especially suited for those worship times centered on grace or renewal.
To enhance the gospel flavor of this tune, one could make an alteration in the opening phrase of the refrain: ‘Undeserving, Lord?,’ make the interval a half step, instead of the written whole step on ‘un-de-’ (m. 18). Use this same idea on the corresponding places throughout the refrain (m. 22--‘So un-’ / m. 26 ‘We’re just’), then follow this pattern each time the refrain occurs.

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