military aviators &little lame children

Subject: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:40 PM

My wife and I am planning a set for church a couple weeks hence and I am interested in people's take on the word "lame" in The Great Storm Is Over, which I discuss in the above-linked thread at BaptistLife.com. The other songs we're planning to sing are "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" and "As Jacob with Travel Was Weary One Day".

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:41 PM

And no, this is a music thread in spite of the BS-looking heading...

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:46 PM

I'd be tempted to substitute any one syllable adjective rather than 'lame'... it's another of those 19th Century "grab 'em by the tearjerkers" words that have acquired a different meaning in this day and age... and could be taken many ways.

Otherwise, go for it and good luck!

LTS

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Sorcha
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:49 PM

Substitute sad, scared....can think of several.

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Big Mick
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 04:51 PM

I don't see any reason to do any substitution at all. The word still means what it means and is not a cruel word. JMO.

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Jeri
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:00 PM

Leave 'lame' in. You can bet Franke wanted it there. The song was about his own daughter who WAS lame and I believe the word is meant to call to people's minds Jesus healing the LAME. It's not an insult.

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 05:05 PM

Good point Jeri, but not everyone knows the story behind the song... and lame these days tends to mean 'pathetic' or 'useless'... hence my diffidence at retaining it.

He healed the sick and tax collectors too.. never hear nice songs about tax collectors do you?!

LTS

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Charley Noble
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 09:37 PM

It's probably best to leave "lame" in, despite the awkwardness of the term.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 11 Sep 08 - 11:35 PM

Introduce it by saying 'Here's a song from [provide year.]' People will understand.

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 12:11 AM

thanks everybody...

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 14 Sep 08 - 06:51 AM

Bob Franke DOES feel very strongly that words to his songs should not be changed; I had a discussion with him about this very song and that very word, and he requested that I keep it unchanged.
When I introduced the song to my chorus last week, one of the members who is "physically challenged" said that she saw no reason to change the word!
It's true that younger folks might not grasp the meaning, so an explanation may be in order before you sing the song.

Wonderful song, isn't it? Best of luck as you sing it, Haruo!

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 15 Sep 08 - 05:21 AM

It is indeed a wonderful song. I am glad to know of Bob Franke's own position on the subject, and I will honor it.

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 28 Sep 08 - 10:21 PM

Oops, just noticed the "am" in the first post of this thread. I meant "are".

Anyhow, we sang today, and I think it went well. Hope to post a link to a picture sometime soon.

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: Haruo
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 03:07 PM

Here are links to the pics: me singing "Alleluia, the great storm is over" and the Mrs chanting the first part of "Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer" while I listen to radio static and Reiff Olson scans the clouds.

Haruo

Subject: RE: military aviators &little lame children
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 03:57 PM

Thanks for the pix! It's fun to see you in action!