Join our conversation with Melanie Hoffman, lyricist and songwriter of "Gethsemane," to hear the faith-filled events and personal backstory that led to the creation of a song loved by children (and grown-ups!) worldwide. Hear how her life took a turn when she married her future arranging partner, Roger Hoffman, and how a walk into the creative wilderness (led only by the spirit), an unexpected opportunity to become a songwriter, a personal journey through the Holy Land and the Garden itself, and a sincere desire to create musical works for the Lord, resulted in this simple, yet profoundly doctrinal, children's song about the Savior's Atonement.
Watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel.
youtube.com/@latterdayhymnstories
SHOW NOTES
00:00 – Podcast Intro
00:32 – Welcome
01:37 – Guitar Chords & Art
03:05 – BYU & Meeting Roger
05:34 – Divine Discontent
06:32 – Struggling Financially
07:32 – An Unexpected Opportunity
09:08 – Scripture Scouts
10:03 – Onward to More Projects
11:35 – The Value of Courage
12:51 – Depending Upon Inspiration
15:04 – Stories of Jesus
16:50 – Jesus Loves Me
18:20 – The Bridge
19:30 – The Message & Meaning
20:40 – Kids Need to Know
21:20 – And Grown-ups
22:10 – The Holy Land
23:49 – The Garden Tomb
25:23 – Can I Sing Gethsemane?
26:33 – Takes Off on YouTube
27:38 – Published in The Friend
28:40 – The Review Process
30:32 – Adopted by Other Faiths
32:31 – Now It's Everyone's Song
33:52 – Choose to Be Chosen
35:27 – Gethsemane
36:44 – Podcast Outro
Other Music by Melanie
See other songs written or arranged by Melanie and Roger Hoffman on their website at hoffmanhouse.com
Follow Us
YouTube: youtube.com/@latterdayhymnstories
Instagram: instagram.com/latterdayhymnstories
Facebook: facebook.com/latterdayhymnstories
FB Group: facebook.com/group/latterdayhymnstories
Website: latterdayhymnstories.org
Support Us
By purchasing our merch and joining our monthly membership on Patreon.
Merch Shop: latterdayhymnstories.org
Patreon: patreon.com/latterdayhymnstories
Disclaimer
Latter-day Hymn Stories is not affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The views, opinions, and thoughts of our host and guests are our own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Church.
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