Named after its composer, LAFFERTY is a "simple is beautiful" tune consisting of one repeated musical line accompanied by a descant that encourages even the smallest congregation to sing in two-part harmony. A popular Scripture chorus published in many informal collections, it was one of the first to be included in recent denominational hymnals. LAFFERTY can be sung in different ways; one elaborate (though easy to learn) performance that extends the song is to treat the descant like a refrain in a two part round; when the first group finishes the first stanza, it begins the alleluias as the second group begins stanza 1. Flute and guitar provide beautiful accompaniment; Karen herself plays guitar and oboe–try that for variety!
--Psalter Hymnal Handbook