16 school assembly hymns that were absolute belters

Schools may be a matter of weeks away from shutting for the summer break, but that doesn't stop us from taking a trip down memory lane to our own school days.

For many, one of the most vivid recollections will be those morning assemblies where you sat cross-legged on a hard wooden floor before being made to stand and sing hymns. Perhaps you recall a lyric sheet for the hymn that you and 200 other children were about to mangle being handed out, or later, projected onto the front wall of the hall?

Indeed, these were the days before autotune, so your only option was to stand at the back and lip-sync the words as best you could. But let's face it, some of those hymns were absolute tunes that you secretly enjoyed belting out, and you probably still know the lyrics to this day.

From 'Lord of the Dance' to 'Colours of Day', there's no denying that there were some fantastic songs to sing along to.

How many of our list of 16 school assembly anthems do you remember? Did we leave any out? If so, let us know in the comments below!

1. He's Got The Whole World in His Hands

We're kicking off with an absolute classic known by millions worldwide, regardless of their religious beliefs, this tune remains an anthem to this day.

Lyrics which stand out include: "He's got my brothers and my sisters in his hands," and "He's got the rivers and the mountains in his hands, he's got the oceans and the seas in his hands."

2. Autumn Days

Often sung during end-of-the-year celebrations and harvest festivals when students were asked to contribute tinned goods or cereal boxes, Autumn Days is easily identifiable from its memorable chorus: "so I mustn't forget, no I mustn't forget".

Beginning with words such as "Autumn days when the grass is jewelled, and the silk inside a chestnut shell," Autumn Days paints a vivid picture of all the beautiful activities one can enjoy in this season.

We are still trying to understand the correlation between 'jet planes meeting in the air to be refuelled', and 'shoes so comfy though they're worn out and they're battered', with the feeling of Autumn.

3. Lord of the Dance

This upbeat hymn is quite catchy, Lord of the Dance was so beloved it became the title of Riverdance star Michael Flatley's internationally renowned performance.

Your feet wont be able to resist moving along to the tune when you hear the irresistible refrain: "Dance, then, wherever you may be, I am the Lord of the Dance, said he, and I'll lead you all, wherever you may be, and I'll lead you all in the Dance said he."

4. Give Me Oil In My Lamp

You might recognise this by its other name, 'Sing Hosanna'. As with all the others on our list, this song has a chorus that will surely stay in your head all day long.

Connecting with the lines: "Sing hosanna, sing hosanna, sing hosanna to the King ..." is definitely one for the books.

5. The Colours of Day

Yet another anthem that transport us back to our fond school days particularly those school assembly sessions and keyboard lessons in music - That's Colours of Day for you!

If we trigger your memory with the line "so light up the fire and let the flame burn," we are pretty confident you'd respond with "open the door, let Jesus return," as this hymn tends to stick around in our minds!

6. One More Step Along The World I Go

This classic needs no fancy introductions, only the words: "And it's from the old I travel to the new, keep me travelling along with you."

And thats about everything we need to highlight on this hymn - another worthy inclusion to our list. Become part of our Greater Manchester history, memories and people Facebook group here.

7. The Butterfly song

If I were a butterfly, I’d thank you Lord for giving me wings and if I were a robin in a tree, I’d thank you Lord that I could sing...

8. Shine Jesus Shine

This piece often tops the list as it straddles the line between hymn and song quite nicely.

Adding icing on the cake, it probably has the catchiest chorus out of all the entries on our list, and we bet it'll have you humming along before long.

The verse gradually builds up to the powerful chorus: "Shine, Jesus, shine, fill this land with the Father's glory. Blaze, Spirit, blaze, set our hearts on fire," transporting us straight back to our school days!

9. All Things Bright and Beautiful

A perennial favourite among teachers for any event.

It's a hymn that resonates globally and has endured since its first publication in 1848.

10. Kumbaya My Lord

Securing the tenth spot on our list is the well-known chorus of Kumbaya My Lord, a tad repetitive but undeniably a classic tune.

11. Morning Has Broken

Perhaps not as lively as some other songs on the list, but Morning Has Broken remains an iconic hymn that we've all undoubtedly sung at one time or another.

12. Who Put The Colours in The Rainbow?

As we're all aware, the song's title is just one of many queries posed in its lyrics - with others including who put the cold in the snowflake?

who made hogs and dogs and fogs?

who made bats and rats and cats?

13. Circle of Friends

When the teacher dug out the Alive O CD you knew you were going to be listening to a few belters.

To this day, we still find ourselves humming along to this tune!

14. We Are The Greatest

Everyone together now with this Alive O classic... it's just the way we children are, it's just how we're happy to be!

15. This Little Light of Mine

And let's not forget to let it shine, let it shine, let it shine!

16. Onward Christian Soldiers

Onward, Christian soldiers, marching as to war. With the cross of Jeeeesus, going on before!

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