From the Preface: "It is intended to take the place of the "L.D.S. Psalmody," the "Songs of Zion" and the small Hymn Book, being a combination of the best to be found in thee three books. Some hymns and tunes in the Psalmody, becoming obsolete or unsuitable, have been discarded; others are given new settings; but all hymns that have been proved of real value and benefit in our worship are retained; whle many new songs, with inspirational words and music, are added."

The same could be said of most hymn book revisions, where texts and tunes are dropped or retained according to the more current fashion in music and foucuses of theology (the basic doctrines generally remain unchanged).

Several of the editors, comprising the Church Music Committee tasked with the revision, also contributed hymns to this and previous volumes; some of those were retained in the 1985 Hymns, and others were dropped.

So it goes.