So with all the foregoing in mind, here's our version. It's long enough that we'll probably songlead it in odd or even verses as suits the occasion.

~S~


==============================================================

YOU MUST COME IN BY AND THROUGH THE LAMB
Traditional Negro Spiritual, as sung by Opera Ebony on CD: "Opera Ebony Sings Spirituals." Originally titled "You Mus' Come in By an' Thro' de Lamb" or possibly "Heaven Is So High." There have been numerous adaptations by folk, black gospel, and country artists. This version adapted, edited, additional verses, and arranged (c) 2005 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

REFRAIN:
My God is so high, you can't get over Him,
He's so low, you can't get under Him,
He's so wide, you can't get around Him--
You must come in by and through the Lamb.

1. Good morning, brother pilgrim,
Say, tell me where you're bound?
Oh tell me if you're heading
For the joy and praising ground.

2. As Jesus taught the people
(By the Sea of Galilee),
Said, "I'm the gate to the sheepfold,
And you must come in-a by Me."

3. No matter where I wandered—
And I've wandered everywhere—
Yet even in the darkest night,
My Lord was waiting there.

4. One day as I was walkin'
Along the heavenly road,
My Savior spoke unto me,
And He filled my heart with love.

5. Don't you hear me, brother pilgrim?
Keep it well in mind.
Just lift your heart and don't look back,
And to the bright door climb.

6. And when you follow Jesus
Up to the promised land,
Don't hang back shy and quiet-
Step up and shake-a His hand.

7. Oh, some folks go by water,
And some folks go by land;
But we'll get there by the grace of God,
So let's go hand in hand.

8. You got to tell your neighbors,
You better tell them now!
Don't look aside or whisper-
Bes' you show them how.

9. With Jesus as our Savior,
Can't help but sing and shout!
You know the gates of heaven
Can't ever keep you out.

SH

@spiritual