Help: The Old Churchyard

Subject: The Old Churchyard
From: Chocolate Pi
Date: 08 May 01 - 03:32 PM

I've been listening to a lovely mp3 of this song, downloaded from here, although that specific version doesn't seem to be available anymore except as a stream (do a tune search for "Old Churchyard" and it should turn up).

The band lists it as being "An old Primative Baptist song done in traditional Sacred Harp style." It's not in the Denson Sacred Harp or Southern Harmony or Missouri Harmony; as far as I can tell, it's not a Sacred Harp song. Putting large chunks of the lyrics into google gives two sites with the text: here and here.

In both cases, it's attributed to William Sanford ca1773 - 1866. Trying to search for him yeilds zillions of geneological sites, but not much useful info. Who was he? Did he write anything else? Is the tune his or someone else's? Is there written music, either round or shaped, available for this anywhere?

Thanks for any help!

Chocolate Pi, awaiting a display of the wisdom of the Mudcat

Subject: ADD: The Old Churchyard
From: Joe Offer
Date: 08 May 01 - 04:01 PM

Well, Pi, I found another recording of the song here (click).
-Joe Offer-

---

The Old Church Yard

Oh come, come with me to the old church yard
I well know the path thro' the soft green sward
Friends slumber there, we were wont to regard
We'll trace out their names, in the old church yard

Oh, mourn not for them, their grief is o'er
Weep not for them, they weep no more
For deep is their sleep, tho' cold and hard
Their pillows may be in the old church yard

I know it seems vain, when friends depart
To breathe kind words to the broken heart
I know that the joys of life seem marred
When we follow our friends to the old church yard

But were I at rest, beneath yon tree
Why should you weep, dear friends, for me?
I'm wayworn and sad, o, why then retard
The rest that I seek in the old church yard

Oh, weep not for me, I am anxious to go
To that haven of rest were tears never flow
I fear not to enter that dark lonely ward
For soon shall I rise from the old church yard

Yes, soon shall I join that heavenly band
Of glorified souls at my savior's right hand
Forever to dwell in bright mansions prepared
For saints, who shall rise from the old church yard

Scripture reference:
1 Thess 4:14

Subject: RE: Help: The Old Churchyard
From: Chocolate Pi
Date: 20 May 01 - 01:59 PM

refresh; still wondering . . .