FAWM: "Like a Palm Tree (Psalm 92)"

Like a Palm Tree (Psalm 92)

Liner Notes

Psalm 92:12a (KJV) - "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree"

Psalm 92 is titled "A Psalm. A Song for the Sabbath." "Sabbath" is the Hebrew word for "rest," and that is very high on my list of aspirations right now. I could use some rest.

I've been reading Psalm 92 a lot lately. Like, a LOT, a lot. In a fit of New Year's Boldness, I resolved that 2026 would be the year that I make an actual recording of some of my original compositions. In morphing that wish into a plan, I got to the part about coming up with a name for a "record label." After a couple of false starts, I followed the theme of stepping out "on faith" to some New Testament references to "the just shall live by faith" (e.g., Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, Hebrews 10:38). While the New Testament elaborates on that theme, it existed long before then. It's drawn from Habakkuk 2:4b ("the just shall live by his faith"). That same word for "the just" or "the righteous" (saddiq) in Habakkuk 2:4b appears in Psalm 92:12a. The righteous one, who lives by his faith, shall flourish "like a palm tree" (in Hebrew, "kattamar"). Thus, "kattamar records" is taking shape.

I wanted this song to be simple enough to teach to a group and sing in a crowd - much like Psalm 92 was intended. Thanks for listening!

Lyrics

[Chorus] The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree Reaching like a cedar to the sky Firmly planted in your holy presence, Lord Resting “in the sweet, by and by.”

[Verse 1] It is good to give thanks to the Lord And sing to your name, O Most High To shout your mercy in the morning And your faithfulness every night.

[Verse 2] Bless the Lord for giving us some strings Bless the Lord for giving us a voice Bless the Lord for the work of his mighty hands Giving us a reason to rejoice

[Verse 3] O Lord, how great are your works Your thoughts are deeper than the sea Those who oppose you do not understand You’ve already won the victory

[Verse 4] In our sadness, you’re a joyful sound In our weakness, you are strong In our doubts, you are faithful You’re our rock, in you there is no wrong.

[Tag] The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree

Comments

@jmadison 6h

Super well done. I can totally see this being taught in a group to sing together. The chorus is repeating in my head already!

@hyssop 12h

I love this! This is one of the first songs I'm listening to since turning my laptop back on after Sabbath yesterday, wonderful way to come back & set the tone for the rest of the week :D Really lovely lyrics, verse 4 especially made me smile <3 The melody is catchy, can definitely see this at a big group sing! Beautiful work!

@savvyaz 2d

I loved reading your liner notes! Congrats on all of that exciting stuff in the works. God bless and prosper you. Great song! I especially loved “Resting ‘in the sweet by and by.’”

@metalfoot 3d

I like the energy of this song! Nice paraphrase of Psalm 92. (I love the theme of Sabbath rest for a number of reasons myself.) Very singable tune, too.