The composition was originally titled `Lament` and was written as the second movement of String Quartet No. 1 in 1946.
In 1990 Walker expanded the work for string orchestra renaming it `Lyric for Strings` this new arrangement subsequently became Walker`s most performed composition.
The work is dedicated to Walker`s grandmother Melvina King a former slave who died shortly before its completion.

https//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyric_for_Strings