Humble

13 Jun Humble

A wonderful song by Chhaya I-chèle of Eugene, Oregon in a fresh arrangement here (2025) by Lisa G. Littlebird here for Wholehearted Chorus with guitar. The original acapella posting is included here as well.  It features four tight-knit, crossing vocal parts that layer on with each verse.  The song was inspired by a Psalm, and many versions and variations of this song exist.

I received the composer’s permission to record this song on my solo album Nightsong, and to include it here in this library. The composer requests the original two verses be sung first, then other variations are welcome such as the earth elements included in this version.

Composer & Copyright

This song was written by I-chèle Greentree, of Eugene, Oregon. This song is used with her permission. Arrangement copyright Lisa G. Littlebird. Please reach to composer/arranger for permission to perform or record for profit.

Recording

Below is the original acapella arrangement by Lisa G. Littlebird which does NOT adhere to I-Chele’s request that her first two original verses of the song be sung prior to other verse variations. (See lyrics below.)

Inspiration Track

See I-Chele herself singing the song here.

Lyrics

*Humble yourself in the sight of your brother
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself in the sight of your sister
Ask ’em what they know

Chorus:

And we will lift each other up
Higher and higher
We will lift each other up

*Humble yourself in the sight of the children
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself in the sight of the children
You gotta know what they know

Humble yourself to the sound of the water
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the sound of the water
You gotta know what it knows

Humble yourself to force of the sun
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the force of the sun
You gotta see what he shows

Humble yourself to the light of the moon
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the light of the moon
You gotta shine in her glow

Humble yourself to the spirit of the forest
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the spirit of the forest
Don’t be afraid to let go

*Humble yourself to the spirit of love
You gotta bend down low and
Humble yourself to the spirit of love
Don’t be afraid to let go

* Original verses from Chhaya I-chèle

Guitar Arrangement

Click here for chords and tabs.

Teaching Notes

The melody of this song can be taught by itself for simplicity and it’s easy to learn.  This 4-part arrangement for Wholehearted Chorus has delicious overlapping, crossing and tight-knit harmonies, arranged for even distribution in our large group.  They’re worth learning! All parts are singable by most voice types.

Key: Bm