This is a chant from Arnhem Land, to a traditional tune with words “versified” by D’Arcy Wood. I really don’t know what to make of it, but the suggestion to sing it unaccompanied, as here at AOV, is probably right. “Marrkapmirr” is translated in the notes at AOV as “altogether lovely, and worthy of affection.” I suppose, since it is in this part of the book, it is being considered a children’s song.
1. O Lord Jesus Marrkapmirr,
All the power belongs to you.
Hold me by this power, O Lord,
You alone are king.
2. Now we praise you for your Word,
Living, true, and full of light.
Yours the hands that rest on me:
Hold me for all time.
© Australian Hymn Book Pty Ltd
This hymn was first published in the Australian Hymn Book in the section on Jesus Christ and is not considered a children’s hymn by the community that composed it, the person who versified it, the Church that first embraced it or the first of the hymn books that published it.