Of course, in the days of Martin Luther, before general literacy, everyone knew the chorales by heart. They probably sang them much more heartily and with greater enjoyment, for that! In Catholic tradition one could say the same about the Benediction hymns, O Salutaris Hostia, Tantum Ergo and Adoremus prior to Vatican 2 as well as the Salve Regina, O Sanctissima, and perhaps an Ave Maria.
And I still remember being taught the words of 'Away in a Manger' 'Silent Night', the Skye Boat song and "Cuckoo, Cuckoo pray what do you do?" by rote at school. The last two were non liturgical performances of course (it was Reverend Mother's birthday so perhaps it was liturgical..., but no less enjoyable for all that!). Oh the memories!
I enjoyed that!
Moderators: Dom Perignon, Casimir