The traditional tune, Holy Manna, is a pentatonic melody in Ionian mode originally published by William Moore in Columbian Harmony, a four-note shape-note tunebook, in 1829.

The lyrics, from Southern Harmony, are: Brethren, we have met to worship, And adore the Lord our God; Will you pray with all your power, While we try to preach the word?

Brethren, see poor sinners round you, Trembling on the brink of woe; Death is coming, hell is moving; Can you bear to let them go?

See our fathers, see our mothers, And our children sinking down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna Will be showered all around.

Moses' sisters aided him; Will you help the trembling mourners, Who are struggling hard with sin?