When I think of this hymn, a different tune comes to mind. But then I look at the actual notes and I remember correctly. Not really sure why I think of the other tune. Of course, I don't know the words very well either. They tell of Zion--how we rejoice in it and look forward to it being on earth again. The third verse is all about how we can be a Zion people, and make Zion in this world. One of my pet peeves growing up "in the mission field" (ugh) was when people in Utah referred to themselves as Zion. I was raised knowing that Zion the place was in Missouri, but that generally when we talk of Zion now, it is about a state of mind and being. The pure in heart as Doctrine & Covenants 97:21 states. So I like that this hymn talks of that Zion.
From the history book
Merrill Bradshaw--the composer and lyricist--was commissioned to write music for the sesquicentennial pageant called Zion in 1979. He couldn't find any text to capture the idea behind the pageant--the task of LDS people becoming a Zion people. Since he didn't find anything to his liking, he wrote his own with a tune that would be simple enough for most congregations to sing with confidence.
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