Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music

Subject: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 06 Apr 07 - 11:26 AM

As in Advent, The Good News-Goodtime Band's Lenten music on Saturday night tends towards the celebratory rather than the penitential; in most of the songs there is a theme that we all sin; that we have burdens as a result; that the sure and dependable relief is readily found in the person of the Risen Lord-- Christ-- as well as in His understanding and parallelling of our human experience.

For Lent we use mostly our Yellow Songbook. The second in our series of songbooks, it covers hymns and a good number of earthy songs from the vintage Black Gospel tradition. Because it's dedicated to the visiting musicians who've played with us, I especially like using it in that time of year when weather usually prevents out of town visitors from coming our way. It reminds me that good times with them are not so far from us.

The other great thing about the Yellow Songbook is that it has songs in it that are a little challenging for the people to sing along with-- so it prompts us to use a lined-out, teaching approach. The resulting increased involvement and interaction from the pews is so.... Anglican, even in our unique Saturday-night application of Anglican approaches to spirituality.

This year we did actually have one visitor who sat in, a returnee who gave us a GREAT spur-of-the-moment offertory on a night we sorely needed supportive relief! :~) We even got in a supper and house jam with him before he left town later that week (sound captured to send a UK Catter). Unusual to fit that in, in our house, during Lent!

Today being Good Friday, and thus quite busy for us, I thought I would just get this thread started in case y'all can add any celebratory Lenten suggestions of your own (a great resource for NEXT year). I'll post more on ours after Easter-- the songs we actually used this year and last year.

CELEBRATORY songs, for LENT?!?!?!? Sure! :~)

~Susan

Subject: Good News-Goodtime Band Yellow Songbook TOC
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 11:53 AM

We have players' sets of chordsheets, digital files of some of the songs in MIDI or MP3 format, and people's words-only books. The eclectic contents:

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed/At The Cross
Alleluia! Sing To Jesus!
All God's Children Got To Humble Down
All Praise To Thee, My God, This Night
Amazing Grace
Anchored In Love
Angel Band
Any Time, Any Place, And Anywhere
Be Thou My Vision
Angel Band
Be Thou My Vision
Beyond The Sunset
Climbing Up On The Rough Side Of The Mountain
Come On In This House
Commune With Me
Couldn't Keep It To Myself
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended
Deep Down In My Heart
Done Found My Lost Sheep
Do You Know Him?
Every Humble Knee Must Bow
Fields Of Clover
God Put A Rainbow In The Cloud
Going Over The Hill
Goin' Sit Down On The Banks Of The River
Goodtime In The Lord
Got Any Rivers?
He's Right On Time
He Touched Me
He Washed My Eyes With Tears
How I Got Over
How Far From Home?
If Jesus Had To Pray
I Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me
I'll Be Singing All The Time In My Mind
I'm Packin' Up (I'm Gettin' Ready To Go)
I'm Working On A Building
I Want To Walk As A Child Of The Light
Jesus Loves Me
Jesus, The Light Of The World
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
Lift Him Up, That's All
Litany Hymn
May My Heart Find Rest In Thee
Micah 6:8
Mount Zion's Lofty Heights
My Soul Is A Witness For My Lord
Old-Time Religion
One More Valley, One More Hill
Open Our Eyes, Lord
Peace Like A River
People Need The Lord
Peter
Precious Memories
Purify My Heart
Revive Us Again
Rock In A Weary Land
Rock Of Ages
Seek Ye First
Sinner, The Master Is Calling You
Softly Now The Light Of Day
Stand The Storm
Sweet And Awesome Is This Place
Sweet Foreverland
Take The Name Of Jesus With You
This Old Building
To Know You More
Travel On
Trouble Soon Be Over
Turn Your Radio On
We Will March Through The Streets Of The City
What Are They Doing In Heaven Today?
When It Hits You (You Will Holler "Amen!")
Who Built The Ark?
Wings In The Morning
You Hear The Lambs A-Crying

I'll be posting lyrics of the ones we've used for Lent, but if any others are wanted, drop me a PM with song title and reference this thread, and I will post that too.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music-- List, 06
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 12:20 PM

L = Lent
Numbers = week number in Lent; L5 = 5th week in Lent
2006, 2007 = years we did them

L5 2007, Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed/At The Cross
L5 2007, All God's Children Got To Humble Down
L2 2006, L4 2006, Amazing Grace (hymnal version and also Blind Boys of Alabama version)
L2 2007, Anchored In Love
L2 2006, L1 2007, Any Time, Any Place, And Anywhere
L5 2006, L3 2006, L1 2007, Be Thou My Vision
L5 2007, Climbing Up On The Rough Side Of The Mountain
L5 2007, Come On In This House
L1 2007, Commune With Me
L2 2007, Deep Down In My Heart
L5 2006, L4 2007, Do You Know Him?
L2 2006, L2 2007, Fields Of Clover
L1 2006, God Put A Rainbow In The Cloud
L4 2006, Going Over The Hill
L5 2006, He's Right On Time
L2 2006, He Touched Me
L1 2006, L5 2007, He Washed My Eyes With Tears
L2 2007, How I Got Over
L1 2007, If Jesus Had To Pray
L4 2006, I Know The Lord Laid His Hands On Me
L5 2007, I'm Packin' Up (I'm Gettin' Ready To Go)
L3 2006, I'm Working On A Building
L2 2006, I Want To Walk As A Child Of The Light
L5 2006, Jesus, The Light Of The World
L2 2006, L4 2007, Just A Closer Walk With Thee
L3 2006, May My Heart Find Rest In Thee
L3 2006, L4 2007, Micah 6:8
L4 2006, My Soul Is A Witness For My Lord
L2 2006 Peace Like A River
L1 2006, Purify My Heart
L3 2007, Rock In A Weary Land
L3 2006, L3 2007, Rock Of Ages
L3 2006, Seek Ye First
L3 2007, Stand The Storm
L4 2007, To Know You More
L3 2007, Trouble Soon Be Over
L1 2006, Who Built The Ark?
L4 2006, You Hear The Lambs A-Crying

From our other songbooks:
L1 2006, Wings of a Dove
L5 2006, Create in Me a Clean Heart
L5 2006, Whispering Hope
Eve of Palm Sunday 2006, What a Friend We have in Jesus
Eve of Palm Sunday 2006, Old Rugged Cross
Eve of Palm Sunday 2006, When Jesus Left His Father's Throne
Eve of Palm Sunday 2007, Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary
Eve of Palm Sunday 2007, Ivory Palaces
L1 97, Farther Along

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 01:55 PM

Oh no...there are wonderful sad and morbid Lent songs that are quite beautiful. At the cross her station keeping (Stabat Mater gloriosa)..Oh Sacred Head Surrounded, come and mourn with me a while...what's the point of being Catholic if you can't be good and depressed this time fo year..mg

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:21 PM

Well, we aren't Catholic-- or at least not Roman Catholic. But have no fear-- all those are included in the parish's regular Sunday AM experience, and yesterday's Good Friday service as well. A lovely thing about the Anglican approach is the diversity of espressions it includes.

~Susan

Subject: ADD: ALAS! AND DID MY SAVIOR BLEED / AT THE CROSS
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:28 PM

Since our Band's approach includes some text-editing, I'm posting the songs as we do them even though they may be posted elsewhere at Mudcat.

This one has quite a pretty, cheerful tune that lends itself well to acoustic instrumentation.

~S~

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

ALAS! AND DID MY SAVIOR BLEED/AT THE CROSS
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1707; Ralph E. Hudson wrote the refrain in 1885.

1. Alas! and did my Savior bleed
And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote His sacred head
For such a worm as I?

REFRAIN:
At the cross, at the cross where I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
And now I am happy all the day!

2. Thy body slain, sweet Jesus, Thine—
And bathed in its own blood—
While all exposed to wrath divine
The glorious Sufferer stood.

3. Was it for crimes that I had done
He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! Grace unknown!
And love beyond degree!

4. Well might the sun in darkness hide
And shut its glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died,
For man the creature's sin.

5. Thus might I hide my blushing face
While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.

6. But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away
'Tis all that I can do.

SH

Subject: ADD: ALL GOD'S CHILDREN GOT TO HUMBLE DOWN
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:31 PM

A spiritual that goes well in lined-out teaching mode. I've never heard anyone else sing it, so I assume people will not have learned it elsewhere and need a little help with how it goes. This has a bouncy rhythm and a jaunty melody. It alsmost sounds like a drinking song, in fact! :~)

~Susan

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

ALL GOD'S CHILDREN GOT TO HUMBLE DOWN
As learned from the singing of Betty Bush Winger, Point Pleasant, West Virginia, ca. 1931, in the Gordon collection, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Adapted, edited, and additional verse by Susan O. Hinton.

From the LOC website: Like others whom Gordon recorded, she was not only an informant but also a collector who responded to Gordon's "scientific" interest in the songs. She not only collected songs, she also composed songs and wrote religious plays. She perceived an essential connection between the collection of rare old songs which had historical value, and the creation of new compositions—songs or stories—based on these models or dealing with the same subject matter. Content and not process was the most important facet of folksong traditions for her. Gordon first learned of Winger's songs at a time when he was experimenting with portable disc recording equipment. He convinced the Amplion Company to loan him a new disc recording machine and visited Winger in West Virginia in late 1931 or early 1932 in order to record her songs, some of which she sent to the archive.

"All God's Children Got to Humble Down" was one of the spirituals in Winger's repertoire which Gordon found of great interest. He cited her collection in his part of the 1932 Annual Report of the Librarian of Congress as an important new piece of evidence for spiritual scholarship.


CHORUS:
All God's children got to humble down, humble down, humble down.
All God's children got to humble down, if they're goin' to wear a crown.
All God's children got to humble down, gotta stretch-out-a hand and-a humble down.
Stretch out-a hand and-a humble down, while the blood come trickling down.

1. Get you the blood of-a Jesus,   
A-fallin' right down on you.
Y' gonna-have-to humble down child,
If-you want-a be washed clean through.

2. Take-off your shoes, you mourners,   
You standin'-on holy ground.
Honey and oil your portion,   
If you can humble down.

3. Got you the true religion,   
You know you bound to share.
Stretch your hand and tell the news,   
The Lord be workin' there.

SH

Subject: ADD: ANCHORED IN LOVE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:35 PM

This song sweeps along in a moderately fast waltz rhythm. The Carters worked quite a lot of harmony and echoing text into the refrain; we lead it for unison singing and so we just sing it straight. We use it in Lent because love conquers all, especially temptations as we face them in this life, and especially the temptation to reflect and propagate negativity.

~Susan

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


ANCHORED IN LOVE
Carter Family version, edited by Susan O. Hinton.

1. I've found a sweet heaven of sunshine at last,
With Jesus, abiding above.
His dear arms around me are lovingly cast,
And sweetly He tells his love.

REFRAIN:
The tempest is o'er,
I'm safe evermore;
What gladness, what rapture is mine!
The danger is past;
I'm anchored at last.
I'm anchored in love divine.

2. He saw me in danger and lovingly came
To pilot my stormy, doomed soul.
Sweet peace He has spoken and-- bless His dear name--
The billows no longer roll.

3. His love shall enfold me through life and in death,
Completely I'll trust to the end.
I'll praise Him each hour, and my last fleeting breath
Shall sing of my soul's best friend.

SH

Subject: ADD: ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, AND ANYWHERE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:40 PM

The sound and tempo of this early rocker would fit right into a sock hop. You could do the Jerk or the Mashed Potato with it, throw a couple of spins, and get happy feet.

~S~

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

ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, AND ANYWHERE
Learned from the singing of Professor Harold Boggs and the Boggettes (Nashboro 1967) on WFMU's Sinner's Crossroads. See SC 01-102001. Adapted, arranged, and v. 2-4 by Susan O. Hinton for the Good News-Goodtime Band, (c) May 2004.

REFRAIN:
Any time (any time), any place (any place), and anywhere (any time, any place, 'n' anywhere)
I have an assurance (assurance) just to know (to know) Jesus is (Jesus is there).
And I count (I count it) a privilege (what a privilege) just to know (O I know) Jesus is (Jesus is there),
Any time (any time), any place (any place), and anywhere (any time, any place, 'n' anywhere)

1. When I'm walking all alone
On the street, or in my home--
Any time, any place, and anywhere--
I pray! I can pray to my God;
I can pray in secret prayer,
Any time, any place, and anywhere.

2. In our world there's so much worry,
So much trouble, but Jesus knows—
Any time, any place, and anywhere--
If we turn to Him, offer our burdens,
Bountiful strength He always shows,
Any time, any place, and anywhere.

3. When I'm weary, full of confusion,
Sometimes I can't see where to go—
Any time, any place, and anywhere--
I draw close to Him, in a moment of prayer,
Jesus tells me all I need to know,
Any time, any place, and anywhere.

4. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors,
Show your children, they need to know,
Any time, any place, and anywhere—
Just how easy it is to pray,
In all situations, wherever you go--
Any time, any place, and anywhere.

SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 07 Apr 07 - 04:42 PM

For Amazing Grace, the Blind Boys of Alabama version uses the tune to "House of the Rising Sun"!!! Of course although we are folkies, we use the electric guitar for that one. The text is the same that is known everywhere. People are sure surprised when they request it, and this is what we come out with. Haven't had any complaints, though! :~)

~S

Subject: ADD: BE THOU MY VISION
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 03:47 PM

The use of this song in Lent enokes a complete change of focus from temptation/struggle, to positive action emulating and supported by our Lord. The well-known tune is quite lovely, and slow enough that singing this gives plenty of time to reflect as one sings.

~Susan

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

BE THOU MY VISION
Music: "Slane," of Irish folk origin. Words: Verse 1, Ancient Irish; translated to English by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, 1905. Edited, adapted, arranged, and verses 2-(C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

One version of the legend: It was on Slane Hill around 433 AD that St. Patrick defied a royal edict by lighting candles on Easter Eve. High King Logaire of Tara had decreed that no one could light a fire before Logaire began the pagan spring festival by lighting a fire on Tara Hill. Logaire was so impressed by Patrick's devotion that, despite his defiance (or perhaps because of it?), he let him continue his missionary work. The rest is history.

1. Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art!
Thou my best Thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

2. Be Thou my vision in each face I see,
Christ in my friend and in my enemy.
Thou in my neighbors and strangers alike,
Made in Thine image and filled with Thy light.

3. Be Thou my vision in all that I give,
Thou who gave all that we might ever live.
Thee I receive fully, and full measure share,
Lending in Thy Name Thy peace and Thy care.

4. Be Thou my vision, whatever I do,
Tho' serving others, I serve Thee, in truth.
Thou in my handwork and Thou in my heart,
Thine all my power, Thy love to impart.

SH

Subject: ADD: CLIMBING UP ON THE ROUGH SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 03:54 PM

I must confess, the vocal pyrotechnics of The Hopeful Gospel Quartet's version (where I learned it) have not yet translated, for us, into a workable approach, in the refrain in particular. I think to lead it as a unison song I'll have to chop out a line of that refrain. (This can happen when you fall in love with a song and rush it into production before you and your band hammer out the finer points, as has happened to us on two or three of the 200+ songs in our songbooks to date.) You can hear it on PHC yourself to see how YOU might handle it. I believe a Barnes family clip can be found at Amazon.

Textually, the "mountain" can be a metaphor for life in general or for any specific struggle a singer might have in mind. It's a good lead-in to a sermon, too.

Musically, the text is well set in a cheerful, git-r-done sort of good-ole-boy rouser.

~Susan

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

CLIMBING UP ON THE ROUGH SIDE OF THE MOUNTAIN
Learned from the singing of The Hopeful Gospel Quartet; they most likely learned it from The Barnes Family. Heard on "A Prairie Home Companion," which is produced by Prairie Home Productions,
presented by Minnesota Public Radio and distributed nationwide by Public Radio International. The weekly Saturday evening live webcast is archived online, and contains audio clips, photos, scripts
and guest information from every performance of A Prairie Home Companion since the fall of 1996. Adapted and arranged for the Good News-Goodtime Band by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
I'm climbin' up (climbing up on the rough side)
On the rough side (oh yeah) of the mountain (what I gotta do)
I must hold to God (His most powerful hand)
His most powerful hand (yes I'm a-climbin')
I'm climbin' up (climbing up on the rough side)
On the rough side (oh yeah) of the mountain
Lord, I'm doin' my best to make it in.

1. Oh Lord, Lord, Lord you know I'm strivin';
Trying to make it through this barren land.
As I go from day to day
I can hear my Savior say,
"Trust in Me, child, I'll hold your hand."

2. I'm climbing up, oh yes, I'm climbin' up!
Oh my burdens, sometimes, they press me down.
If I can keep the faith
I'll have strength to run the race;
I'm looking, yes I'm lookin' for my crown.

3. Now one day this old race will soon be over.
There' will be no more races to run.
When I stand before God's throne
All my heartaches will be gone
And I'll hear my Savior say, "Welcome home."

4. We're climbin' up, still climbin' up
Though narrow and rocky be the trail.
With His light along the way,
You know we cannot go astray;
If we follow Him I know we cannot fail.

SH

Subject: ADD: COME ON IN THIS HOUSE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 04:00 PM

Oh this one is FUN to do in church-- quite a different approach to inviting folks to come to church! :~) We've used it as the opener, the call-to-worship piece of the service. I'm sure additional verses could be improvised on the pattern for church-- or indeed, any community-gathering event. The tune is simple and memorable-- playful.

It is, of course, from the classic Black Gospel tradition. Some of the words in parens can be eliminated or extemporaneous/exclamatory.

~Susan

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

COME ON IN THIS HOUSE
Learned from the singing of The Fairfield Four on "A Prairie Home Companion." Adapted and edited, arranged (c) 2004 by Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

REFRAIN:
Why don't you... come on in this house?
Why don't you... (why dontcha) come on in this house?
Why don't you... come on in this house?
Come on in this house...   of the Lord, of the Lord.

1. We gonna have a goodtime (what???)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
We gonna have a goodtime (real good!)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
We gonna have a goodtime (now)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
Come on in this house of the Lord, of the Lord.

2. He's gonna dry your eyes, (child)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
He's gonna dry your eyes (now)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
He's gonna dry your eyes (yeah!)
(Why don't you come on in this house?)
Come on in this house of the Lord, of the Lord.

SH

Subject: ADD: COMMUNE WITH ME
From: wysiwyg
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 04:04 PM

This is a simple, very pretty piece from the "praise and worship" style of music that is awful sappy as a steady diet, but that can be vamped out in a bluesy manner (Hardi's approach), or done slow and stately as a contrast to a difficult Scripture lesson for the week (with other, bouncier pieces at other parts of the service). I've used it as a communion prayer-song as well.

~Susan

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

COMMUNE WITH ME
Kirk Dearman

1. Commune with me
Commune with me
Between the wings
of the cherubim
Commune with me

2. I worship You
I worship You
Between the wings
of the cherubim
I worship You

3. I'll meet You there
I'll meet You there
Between the wings
of the cherubim
I'll meet You there   

©1981 Maranatha! Music And Word Music (A Div. Of WORD MUSIC), Admin. By Maranatha! Music. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.

SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: maeve
Date: 08 Apr 07 - 04:07 PM

Thank you so much for this thread at this time.

maeve, singing "What Wond'rous Love Is This"...

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: maeve
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 03:16 PM

refresh...

Subject: ADD: DEEP DOWN IN MY HEART
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 04:33 PM

This is an easy-to-singalong spiritual with familiar tonality and rhythms that can be improvised to suit. It's energetic and I am sure the message is meant to be sung with a wry grin acknowledging that the singer may be just a tad, um, self-deprecating about their ability to ALWAYS come across as loving in the way the song describes. When we do it, it's a bit of a romp through our frailties. But by the time the song is over, we're usually feeling so much more cheerful that in that moment, at least, we can sing the line sincerely.

~Susan

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

DEEP DOWN IN MY HEART
As learned from the singing of Billy Givens (W. M. Givens) Darien, Georgia, March 19, 1926 in the Gordon collection, American Folklife Center, Library of Congress. Adapted by Susan O. Hinton.

LOC's Info: Darien, Georgia, the childhood home of Mrs. Gordon, was Gordon's "field station" for over two years, 1926-28. Located on the coast of Georgia, this town was ideally situated for the study of Afro-American folksong. The Carolina and Georgia sea coast blacks spoke a dialect called "Gullah," thought to represent the earliest mixing of English with African languages. Gordon hoped to find folksong evidence of similar mixture. This led him to spirituals, of which he collected a substantial number. "Deep Down In My Heart" was performed by one of his best Darien informants.

VERSE PATTERN and/or REFRAIN (after every "verse" or more sparingly):
Lord, you know I love everybody,
Deep down in my heart.
Lord, you know I love everybody,
Deep down in my heart.
Lord, you know I love everybody,
Deep down in my heart.
Amen, Amen, Amen.


Some of the potential verses:

Lord, you know I love my preacher...

Lord, you know I love my deacon...

Lord, you know I love my brother...

Lord, you know I love my sister...

Lord, you know I love my Savior...

Lord, you know I love everybody...

SH

Subject: ADD: DO YOU KNOW HIM?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 04:40 PM

I believe I also got this one from WFMU Sinner's Crossroads (they have a searchable archive of streaming hourlong shows). As I heard it, it had a simple, driving electric guitar line running under a strong female vocal. We do it as a bit of a shouter, the loud electric autoharp strum taking the place of the guitar line, and Hardi plays a strong electric bass line.

A lot of the text is sung/said in the fast-patter mode common to some black gospel testifiers and it does all really fit into the tune even though it looks like there are just too many syllables when you see it in print (it was a blast to transcribe). The "tell me" lines are sung simultaneously with the "Oh, oh, oh" line; they make a bit of a mini-refrain. It's a real uptempo good time.

~Susan

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

DO YOU KNOW HIM?
Recorded numerous times by black gospel groups, male and female.
Adapted, edited, and arranged (c) 2004 by Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. I know a man from Galilee;
If you're in sin,
He'll set you free.
Oh, oh, oh! (tell me, tell me, tell me),
Do you know Him?

REFRAIN:
Billows may roll, breakers may dash.
I cannot sink—
He'll hold me fast.
Days may get dark, clouds fill the sky--
You know it's all right
'Cause Jesus is nigh.
Oh, oh, oh! (tell me, tell me, tell me),
Do you know Him?

2. Jesus, son of David, seed of Abraham,
Stone hewed out the mountain,
A meek n' humble lamb.
Oh, oh, oh! (tell me, tell me, tell me),
Do you know Him?

3. There's not a friend so kind and true,
He's ever ready
To carry you through.
Oh, oh, oh! (tell me, tell me, tell me),
Do you know Him?

4. When you in doubt, fall on your knees!
I know He'll hear,
He'll give your soul ease.
Oh, oh, oh! (tell me, tell me, tell me),
Do you know Him?

SH

Subject: ADD: GOD PUT A RAINBOW IN THE CLOUD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 07:10 PM

Let's see... Jerry Rasmussen's "Fields of Clover" has been posted at Mudcat several times I know, and we didn't change a thing about it in our version.

I believe I got GOD PUT A RAINBOW IN THE CLOUD from the Dovesong site that has wonderful archived old gospel music. If that's right-- memory getting older-- then I most likely learned it from Brother Claude Ely's singing. It has a simple tune with a strong rhythm, and the text roughly fits the Great Vigil (eve of Easter service) lessons that recount the story of God's salvation-- makes a good precursor in the weeks leading up to that as the end of Lent.

~S~

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

GOD PUT A RAINBOW IN THE CLOUD
Reverend Andrew Jenkins and Irene Spain.
Adapted, edited, arranged (c) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. When God shut Noah in the grand old ark
He put a rainbow in the cloud!
When thunders rolled and the sky was dark
God put a rainbow in the cloud!

REFRAIN:
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
When it looked like the sun
Wouldn't shine anymore...
God put a rainbow in the cloud!

2. Away down yonder in Egypt's sand
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
Just to lead His children to the promised land God put a rainbow in the cloud!

3. When they put old Daniel in the lion's den,
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
Just to prove His promise to the sons of men
God put a rainbow in the cloud!

4. As a sign by day and a sign by night
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
Just to guide His people and keep them right
God put a rainbow in the cloud!

5. Oh, Jordan deep and Jordan wide
God put a rainbow in the cloud!
To lead his people to the other side
God put a rainbow in the cloud!   

SH

Subject: ADD: GOING OVER THE HILL
From: wysiwyg
Date: 09 Apr 07 - 07:21 PM

The "GOING OVER THE HILL" in THIS song isn't the same idea as being "over the hill" as in "old." Rather, the "hill" is life itself, as well as the ascent to heaven. A heavenly hill one will persist in climbing, like "Climbing Up On The Rough Side Of The Mountain" posted above.

This one I found at the Kennedy Center Millenium Stage archived live video broadcasts. Sister Shirley is, herself, a show-stopper I cannot describe adequately-- go there and see/hear her if your internet connection will let you!

I found my "pentecostal" voice on this very song one Saturday night when we did it-- a spontaneous upward vocal slide of power and joy on the word "hill" that I would NEVER in a million years have even THOUGHT about trying!

The tune is very bluesy, the tempo swings along, and the melody cheerful.

And we don't ever do ALL the verses-- these are a menu of possibilities. I nade it all into a long story from what Sister Shirley started as a short, snappy song-- I can't say now for sure which words were mine (inspired as I worked on it) or borrowed from other blues gospel masters.

~S~

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

GOING OVER THE HILL
Learned from the singing of Sister Shirley Sydnor. Based on a traditional African-American Spiritual. Some verses adapted from lyrics by Alvin Lee, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Blind Willie Johnson. Adapted, edited and arranged (c) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

REFRAIN:
Goin' over the hill, goin' over the hill.   
Well I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top,
Goin' over the hill.

1. I woke one early morning, I was laid down on my floor.
Had no one to love me, had no place to go.
I looked way down that road then, just as far as I could see.
Saw a cloud of angels, Lord, they were callin' me.
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

2. Packed up all my troubles, started down the road.
Was lookin' for some help, child, to bear a heavy load.
Too long I worry, too long I cry,
Natural life is troubles till the day we die.   
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

3. I said, "Won't somebody tell me, what is the soul of man?
Can't you angels tell me, answer if you can!"
I traveled in foreign countries, I've traveled nameless lands;
And still no one could tell me, what is the soul of man.
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

4. And then I met an old man, his eyes were clear and wise.
I asked him to direct me to where the answer lies.
Said, "I'm looking for the road to freedom, so I can be free."
He said, "Keep praying as you walk, and one day you will see."
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

5. I prayed as I journeyed, over what the man had told;
It seems to me he meant the Kingdom's in your soul.
I'm on the road to freedom, I'm on the road to love.
All around me, sinners, now what they thinking of?
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

6. One day I met a rich man; he told me where to go
To get my hands upon some gold, but still I answered, "No!
Freedom waits for me ahead, your gold will slow me down!"
I smiled as I walked away, and left him with a frown--
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

7. I'm still on my journey, child, and don't you want to go?
You know I'm going somewhere, where I ain't been before.
And when I get to heaven, I'm goin' to sit right down;
Gonna ask the Master, "Lord do you have my crown?"
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

8. I went down to the valley, I didn't go there to stay
My soul got so happy, that I stayed there all day.
I'm glad I got my religion, I got my religion in time;
I was a-fixed upon the altar, and the love came tumblin down.
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

9. I read the Bible often; I try to read it right.
Ain't nobody's fault but mine if I get lost tonight.
Blessed Jesus gave me His guidebook for the trip.
Ain't nobody's fault but mine if I should choose to slip.
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

10. Sometimes I still get worried, sometimes weary too.
The Lord provides my resting place-- you can have it too.
When you're full of sorrow, your eyes are filled with tears,
Just lean on His promise to calm all our fears.
I ain't gonna stop till I reach my God's top, goin' over the hill.

SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: maeve
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 07:45 AM

Keep 'em coming!

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:21 PM

The FEEL of this one is not so far from Diana Ross's song "You can't hurry love," but the MELODY is totally different. I learned it from a group not trying to sound "black gospel," but that isn't at all afraid of a bluesy slide-n-syncopate around a good tune. It can be found in the PHC archives with a little looking aorund.

We first used this one year for in Advent, and we liked it so much it seemed to make sense for Lent in a goofy kind of way-- it's a bit of a stretch, but you could almost think of it as Jerusalem waiting for Jesus to saunter in on the ass. :~) We didn't use it for Palm Sunday, though-- what I usually think of when I contemplate this one for Lent is letting God's time bring His grace to me, in His time-- when He knows I need it-- and trusting my faith to carry me through even when that Grace seems far away.

I've indicated a few of the improvised exclamations that work in this one, in verse one, but they can be anything, anywhere in the song from leader or participants.

~Susan

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

HE'S RIGHT ON TIME
By Dorothy Love Coates. Learned from the singing of the Hopeful Gospel Quartet. Edited and arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

REFRAIN:
You can't hurry my God.
No, no, no, you just have to wait!
You've gotta trust Him and give him time,
No matter how long it takes.
He's a God we just can't hurry,
But He'll be there, (and) don't you worry!
He may not come when we want Him, but He's right on time!

1. Now Brother Job was sick so long (oh no!)
Until the flesh fell from his bones (oh my!)
His wife, his family, his children-- (poor Job!)
Everything he had was gone (all gone?)
He said, "You've put these afflictions upon me, Lord (HEY!)
Now come on... (come on Lord) and see about me.
He may not come when we want Him,
But He's right on time! (Right on time!)

2. Now some say He's comin' in the morning,
And he's gonna make the journey by train.
Some say he's ridin' in a chariot,
Shootin' like an angel's wings.
Well I don't know how soon God's coming,
But don't let it get you when you wonder.
He may not come when we want Him
But He's right on time!


SH

Subject: ADD: HE'S RIGHT ON TIME and HE TOUCHED ME
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:24 PM

So well-known, this southern-sounding piece doesn't really need description.

~S~

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

HE TOUCHED ME
By William J. Gaither. Adapted, edited, arranged (c) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. Shackled by a heavy burden,
'Neath a load of guilt and shame;
Then the hand of Jesus touched me,
And now I am no longer the same.

REFRAIN:
He touched me, O, He touched me,
And oh, the joy that floods my soul;
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.

2. Since I met this blessed Savior,
Since He cleansed and made me whole;
I will never cease to praise Him,
I'll shout it while eternity rolls.

SH

Subject: ADD: HE WASHED MY EYES WITH TEARS
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:33 PM

I always hope, when I sing this one, that people feel the same way I do about tears-- that the healing kind is really important to our intelligence and humanity, and a GOOD thinhg.

This is a southern-gospel piece, slow, with a beautiful 4/4 melody. The melodic transitions in the verse-- where the first 4 lines sweep into the next two, and then the tune of the first two returns-- is particularly lovely. The tune resolves, just where it ought to, that reflects the text.

For Lent, I like the way this one looks at the impending Crucifixion straight-on. With no flinching, but without beating oneself up, either.

~S~

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

HE WASHED MY EYES WITH TEARS
By Ira Stanphill. Adapted, edited, arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. He washed my eyes with tears that I might see,
The broken heart I had was good for me.
He tore it all apart and looked inside;
He found it full of fear and foolish pride.
He swept away the things that made me blind,
And then I saw the clouds were silver lined;
And now I understand 'twas best for me
He washed my eyes with tears that I might see.

2. He washed my eyes with tears that I might see
The glory of Himself revealed to me;
I did not know that He had wounded hands;
I saw the blood He spilt upon the sands.
I saw the marks of shame and wept and cried;
He was my substitute-- for me He died!
And now I'm glad He came so tenderly,
And washed my eyes with tears that I might see.

SH

Subject: ADD: HOW I GOT OVER
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 01:39 PM

I found this GREAT little song, to my everlasting gratitude, at the Voices Across America site which archives, free of charge to artists, church music from churches all across the USA. The site's "owner" travels around recording, and accepts submitted recordings as well.

This one, and this singer, are from a regular Sunday morning worship service as far as I know. And it's a powerful song that can hold as many improvised or zipper verses as there is time to sing them. I sing it a bit as Sister Shirley (mentioned above) might, but I sure would love to visit this church and meet Annie Harris and all the other ladies singing there. I'd just have to sing along with them!

~Susan

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

HOW I GOT OVER
Traditional Negro Spiritual, learned from the singing of Annie Harris and CME, Danville Community of Biggersville, Mississippi. Additional verses and edited by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
How I got over (how I got over)
How I got over (how I got over)
Sometimes my soul looks back in wonder
How I got over!

1. Well I been 'buked and I been scorned;
And I been talked about, sure's you're born.

2. I read my Bible and I understand,
If I can't do it, then Jesus can.

3. Went to a quiet place, started to pray,
Holy Ghost said, "Child, set and stay."

4. You know it was Jesus who carried me through,
Without His love, don't know what I'd do.


SH

Subject: ADD: IF JESUS HAD TO PRAY
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:33 PM

We do this one to the slow pace of a tired walk. It was the first one where we used the line-out teaching method with the people, and it went over gangbusters! There's room for a lot of echoing in the lines, so teaching it was not difficult.

I don't remember now where I heard it-- probably on Sinner's Crossroads (99% of which is vintage black gospel), like so many in this songbook. As I recall, I had just discovered SC's archive when we were ready to do another songbook, and poor "Yellow" carried the weight.

The text evokes not only the prayer at Gethsemane, but the utterances from the cross. Like many songs most definitely NOT from the Roman or Anglican experience, this song reminds me how sacramental-- and how Lenty-- songs can be. Even when they spring from a tradition that doesn't observe Lent, nor consider itself sacramental. I did a lot of text-editing and text-writing on this one, but it all fit so seamlessly (IMO) that I couldn't say now which words were mine, and which ones it came with to start. ("Po' me" I know is original to the song... when I write in dialect, it's not usually dialect that goes back to what I read from slave times but rather dialect my Chicago-area ears picked up more recently.)

~Susan

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

IF JESUS HAD TO PRAY
Learned from the singing of the Spirit of Memphis Quartet on King Records, 1949. Adapted, arranged, add'l lyrics (C) 2004 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. Well if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about me?
Yes if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about me?
He had to fall down on bended knee,
Calling His Father, "Help me please!"
Lord if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about po' me?

2. In the Garden of Gethsemane
Jesus went low, on bended knee,
Calling His Father up in heaven,
"Help me please! Help me please!"
When His strength was almost gone,
Lord He bent down on the ground.
Yes if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about po' me?

3. And when they hung Him high, for all to see,
His heart was low as lonely can be.
He called on His Father,
"Why hast Thou forsaken Me?"
When His spirit had fallen down,
Must have felt lower than the ground.
Yes if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about po' me?

4. And as He died, there on Calvary,
Still he prayed, yes He prayed for you and me.
Calling His Father in heaven,
"Forgive them, please! Forgive them please!"
He looked in love, at the crowd around,
Hearts full of anger, or broken down.
Yes if Jesus had to pray,
What about me, what about po' me?


SH

Subject: ADD: I KNOW THE LORD LAID HIS HANDS ON ME
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:41 PM

This one came from a clip I heard online, of a VERY early wax recording, of one of the earlier iterations of the Fisk singers. The voice was so powerful, so evocative, that as I recall we put it into the lineup the same day I heard it-- a vibrant, young, male voice supported by a backing group of unknown size. Later I got a Fisk (later) recording and almost all the words, as I recall, are from that version.

The imagery around slave experience would have been quite complex. It would have HAD to have been at least twofold: "The Lord laid his hands one me" in blessing, as I know it in my own life. But also, in seizing the young man, bodily... as slavehunters "laid hands on" runaways to capture them. Sanctifying that image, it's a flavor of the Lord palpably directing him... to OWN him, but in a specific way the singer chooses to see-- to praise!-- as holy! This is a powerful, POWERFUL image to turn into an anthem of praise!

Unlike some of the spirituals, this one cannot be understood as "escape code" language, nor as anything I can imagine other than religios fervor.

~Susan

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

I KNOW THE LORD LAID HIS HANDS ON ME
Traditional Negro Spiritual. Learned from the singing of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Verses edited by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
O I know the Lord, I know the Lord,
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
O I know the Lord, I know the Lord,
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

I never shall forget that day...
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
When Jesus washed my sins away.
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

I never felt such love before;
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
And it made me run from door to door.
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

Some seek the Lord and don't seek Him right;
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
They sin all day and pray at night.
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

Did ever you see the like before?
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
King Jesus preaching to the poor?
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

My Lord has done just what He said;
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
Healed the sick and raised the dead.
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

Down on my knees when the Lion passed by,
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
I thought my soul would rise and fly!
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)

O one of these mornings, bright and fair,
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)
Gonna take my wings and cleave the air.
(I know the Lord laid His hands on me.)


SH

Subject: ADD: I'M PACKIN' UP (I'm Gettin' Ready to Go)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:48 PM

Used at worship, at retreats' impromptu sings, and as a farewell song at a Mudcat Gathering at our home. Another treasure found at Voices Across America.

We sing it with a doggedly regular rhythm, not too fast. I added verses that reflect the late-night meditation I had the day I first heard it: I found myself musing over how so many, who land in Heaven, are going to be in total shock that it's all endless praise up there-- because in life they've been so negative, so.... pickle-faced! :~) It made me reflect upon what it is any of us can take with us, when we go, that might prepare us for the moment when all that is possible, is praise.

~Susan

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

I'M PACKIN' UP (I'm Gettin' Ready to Go)
Traditional spiritual, learned from the singing of Minnie Chill and CME, Danville Community of Biggersville, Mississippi. The most famous and much livelier version of this song was sung by the Famous Ward Singers (Clara Ward Singers), who recorded it several times. Marion Williams, once a member of the Ward Singers, also sang this. Endless verses on a number of themes can be made up for any occasion. This version edited and additional verses by Susan O. Hinton.

I'm packin' up... I'm gettin' ready to go
I'm packin' up (packin' up, gettin' ready to go)
I'm packin' up (packin' up, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go!

I'm on my knees (on my knees, gettin' ready to go)
I'm on my knees (on my knees, gettin' ready to go)
I'm on my knees (on my knees, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I'm takin' joy (takin' joy, gettin' ready to go)
I'm takin' joy (takin' joy, gettin' ready to go)
I'm takin' joy (takin' joy, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I'm goin' home (goin' home, gettin' ready to go)
I'm goin' home (goin' home, gettin' ready to go)
I'm goin' home (goin' home, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I'll praise Him there (praise Him there, gettin' ready to go)
I'll praise Him there (praise Him there, gettin' ready to go)
I'll praise Him there (praise Him there, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I'll see His face (see His face, gettin' ready to go)
I'll see His face (see His face, gettin' ready to go)
I'll see His face (see His face, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I've done my best (done my best, gettin' ready to go)
I've done my best (done my best, gettin' ready to go)
I've done my best (done my best, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)

I'm packin' up (packin' up, gettin' ready to go)
I'm packin' up (packin' up, gettin' ready to go)
I'm packin' up (packin' up, gettin' ready to go)
Lord, I'm (jes' packin' up, gettin' ready to go)


SH

Subject: ADD: I'M WORKING ON A BUILDING
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 05:53 PM

I can't remember now whose version inspired me to do this one the way we do it. It may very well have a different rhythm structure from the one everyone else knows well, because we have two distinct versions in two of our songbooks, and when I get one in my head, I can't get hold of the other one no matter what I do.

It seems, as I try to recollect, that one I learned at a song circle, done in a bluegrass style. The other sounds, in my head, more like black gospel. [Shrug] It's all good!

This one takes on a Pentecostal surge when we do it, though we Anglicans seldom claim THAT! :~)

~Susan

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

I'M WORKING ON A BUILDING
Traditional

REFRAIN:
I'm a working on a building,
I'm a working on a building;
I'm a working on a building
For my Lord, for my Lord.

It's a Holy Ghost a building,
It's a Holy Ghost building;
It's a Holy Ghost a building
For my Lord, for my Lord.


1. If I was a liar, I tell you what I would do.
I'd quit my lying, and I'd work on the building, too.

2. If I was a gambler, I tell you what I would do.
I'd quit my gambling, and I'd work on the building, too.

3. If I was a singer, I tell you what I would do.
I'd keep on singin', and I'd work on the building, too.


SH

Subject: ADD; I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT
From: wysiwyg
Date: 10 Apr 07 - 06:17 PM

I first learned this one from our 1982 ECUSA hymnal because a fellow priest chose it-- one of his personal favorites-- for his mom's funeral. It's very singable, and very cheerful. We presented it the weekend of her funeral, at our Sat. night service, as a way of sharing that funeral with folks who knew the priest, and knew his mom, who'd been unable to get to the funeral.

As I'm sitting here posting, beside the house "office" phone on my desk, I just got a call from the local ER-- that another dear parishioner has just suddenly, unexpectedly passed away. And so, between the last paragraph and this one I've taken that family member's call and dispatched hubby and others to get there... So now I guess this is a song we'll dedicate to Helen, from now on. She'd like that, though she preferred the older hymns (1940 hymnal and earlier.)

Helen was a dedicated member of Altar Guild, working away to make the altar ready and beautiful, and faithfully attending any service, even those she didn't care for, just to be there at the end (and to have prayed through it reverently) if it was her turn to clear away and re-ready the altar for the next scheduled service. I have no doubt she worked behind the scnes, too, because Helen was a needlewoman of considerable skill, even late into life as her eyesight worsened. I bet that was HER lace edgework, on one very old, fragile frontal I'm picturing....

She was the first parishioner I met when Hardi was called here for his interview, and we sat together visiting on a bench (an unused pew) in the church hallway as she worked away on whatever piece she was doing at the time. She represented the way folks here live on, in full vigor, quite late into life-- and the way a newcomer should be welcomed: knit into the community.

I have a beautiful pineapple-patterned piece she did for us a few years ago (is that tatting???), in white cotton thread. One day it will be ivory, as it ages, but for now it's still bright white. Helen had a way of reminding me that aging is perfectly all right; she'd always tell me how the aches and pains were doing, and then refer to them as "nuisances" with a grin.

~Susan

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

I WANT TO WALK AS A CHILD OF THE LIGHT
Kathleen Thomerson. Adapted, edited, arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. I want to walk as a child of the light;
I want to follow Jesus.
God set the stars to give light to the world;
The star of my life is Jesus.

REFRAIN:
In Him there is no darkness at all--
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God;
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

2. I want to see the brightness of God,
I want to look at Jesus.
Clear sun of righteousness shine on my path
And show me the way to the Father.

3. I'm looking for the coming of Christ;
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race
We shall know the joy of Jesus.


SH

Subject: ADD: JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 09:00 AM

I'm about halfway through posting the songs we've used for Lent the past two seasons.

Here's another where we don't do ALL the verses on any one occasion. I probably found a short version at Dovesong and then built from there. The verses each contain two verses, if we had set it up in the original verse/refrain pattern, but doing it that way made WAY too many shorty verses so I set it up so that the refrain comes less often.

~Susan

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

JESUS, THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Based on a version recorded by the Bethel Quartet, 1928. Additional verses (text based on Sacred Harp) edited by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
Walk in this light,
Beautiful light!
Come where the dewdrops of Mercy shine bright.
Shine all around us
By day and by night,
Jesus, the light of the world.

1. My grief a burden long had been
(Jesus, the light of the world),
Because I could not bear my sin
(Jesus, the light of the world).
Naught but my sin had I to give,
(Jesus, the light of the world).
Naught but His love did I receive
(Jesus, the light of the world).

2. Oh I am done with this old world
(Jesus, the light of the world);
From now I want to serve the Lord,
(Jesus, the light of the world).
Jesus my all to heaven is gone;
(Jesus, the light of the world)
He whom I fixed my hopes upon
(Jesus, the light of the world).

3. His track I see and I'll pursue
(Jesus, the light of the world);
The narrow way till Him I view
(Jesus, the light of the world).
This is the way I long have sought
(Jesus, the light of the world),
And mourned because I found it not;
(Jesus, the light of the world).

4. The King's highway of holiness
(Jesus, the light of the world);
I'll go, for all His paths are peace
(Jesus, the light of the world).
The way the holy prophets went
(Jesus, the light of the world),
Th road that leads from banishment
(Jesus, the light of the world).

5. Then I will tell the sinners around,
(Jesus, the light of the world).
About the Savior I have found;
(Jesus, the light of the world).
I'll point to His redeeming blood,
(Jesus, the light of the world).
And say, "Here is the way to God."
(Jesus, the light of the world).

6. When I get home I'll see the Lamb
(Jesus, the light of the world),
And He'll enfold me, as I am
(Jesus, the light of the world).
Upon the crystal pavement down
(Jesus, the light of the world),
With joy I'll cast my worldly crown
(Jesus, the light of the world).

7. I'll sing His praise in Paradise
(Jesus, the light of the world),
Warmed by the light that never dies
(Jesus, the light of the world).
If you get there before I do
(Jesus, the light of the world);
Just tell my Lord I'm comin' too
(Jesus, the light of the world).



SH

Subject: Lyr Add: MAY MY HEART FIND REST IN THEE (Rasmussen
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 09:06 AM

We do JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE just like anyone else would, with nothing added to verses.

Jerry Rasmussen's MAY MY HEART FIND REST IN THEE is a wonderful piece for Lent, thematically fitting perfectly. The tune is serious but not depressing.

~S~

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

MAY MY HEART FIND REST IN THEE
By Jerry Rasmussen.

1. I take cold comfort in the ways of man;
I see no justice...   in this land.
I feel the anger... of the unstayed hand--
May my heart find rest in Thee.

REFRAIN:
And in the darkness, give me the eyes of faith;
In my sorrow, send down your healing Grace.
And as I journey, make my path ever straight--
May my heart find rest in Thee.

2. Give me the wisdom, that I might understand;
Give me courage... that I might make my stand.
And when I'm weary, lend me a helping hand--
May my heart find rest in Thee.

3. Some spend their lives in a search for power,
Ignoring treasures time cannot devour.
All that I ask... in my final hour--
May my heart find rest in Thee.


SH

Subject: ADD: MICAH 6:8
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 09:13 AM

This is a short "praise & worship" piece that has echo parts (boldface below) and a simple tune in two parts that alternate. In Lent, it reminds us that God has not just TOLD us what to do, but has shown us Jesus' humanity DOING it-- and therefore, we can, too. It's a relatively simple assignment. Not easy, but simple. :~)

~S~

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

MICAH 6:8
By Bob Sklar. ©1978, Maranatha! Music. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured.

A Part:
He has shown thee
O man   
What is good and what the Lord
Requires of thee   
He has shown thee, O man   
What is good and what the Lord
Requires of thee   

B Part:
But to do justly
and to love mercy
And to walk humbly with thy God
But to do justly
and to love mercy
And to walk humbly with thy God


SH

Subject: ADD: MY SOUL IS A WITNESS FOR MY LORD
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 09:32 AM

Another early Fisk piece.

This is one of those spirituals that has been arranged and performed as a concert spiritual and a choral piece in a somewhat sanitized and artificial manner. I have heard it done well, and done badly; whenever I hear it in concert style, though, no matter how well, I always feel sorry for the people hearing it because it's often the only possible approach to the song thay can imagine-- for them the song has been set in stone as though it always was that way and always has to be in the future. They have never heard (or sung) the raw, intensely creative, natural singing from which the spirituals sprang. And I always feel sorry for performers who can't learn a spiritual by ear and who require a fully orchestrated piano score in accompaniment-- when they're songs that were meant for oral transmission.

This one has verses done in a declamatory, patter style of delivery, which would have been the Bible lore being taught (and/or retaught, reinforced, recounted) to a group of slaves gathered around. These verses, therefore, have as many lines as each Bible story needed for transmission.

The italicized refrains, much more melodic, would have been the people's response to the songleader, mirroring the verse just declaimed after s/he had presented the first one several times at the outset to teach that part.

When a song is "taught" in that fashion, it often ends with a repeat of however it opened, to let the people know the song is wrapping up. That opening and reiteration can also be done anywhere in the middle, to emphasize what is being taught/preached/exhorted, and the people's commitment in response.

~Susan

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

MY SOUL IS A WITNESS FOR MY LORD
Learned from singing of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Traditional African-American Spiritual. Adapted, edited, and arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

REFRAIN:
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord.

1. We read in the Bible and we understand:
Methuselah was the oldest man.
He lived nine hundred and sixty-nine;
He died and went to Heaven, Lord, in-a due time.

Now Methus'lah was a witness for my Lord,
Methus'lah was a witness for my Lord,
Methus'lah was a witness for my Lord,
Methus'lah was a witness for my Lord.

2. We read in the Bible and we understand,
Samson was the strongest man.
Samson went out at-a one time,
Killed about a thousand of the Philistine.
Delilah fooled Samson, this we know,
The Holy Bible tells us so:
Shaved off his hair, just as clean as your hand!
His strength became as any other man.

Now Samson was a witness for my Lord,
Another witness for my Lord,
Another witness for my Lord,
Another witness for my Lord.

3. Daniel was a Hebrew child;
He went to pray to his God for awhile.
The king at once for Daniel did send,
Put him down in the lion's den.
The Lord sent an Angel, the lions for to keep,
And Daniel lay down and went to sleep.

Now Daniel was a witness for my Lord
Daniel was a witness for my Lord
Daniel was a witness for my Lord
Daniel was a witness for my Lord

4. I heard a mighty rumbling, under the ground,
Must be the Devil a-turning around.
I heard a mighty rumbling, up in the sky,
It must be Jehovah passing by.
Jehovah sent down his chariot of fire,
'Carried 'lijah up, a-higher and a-higher.

Now, Elijah was a witness for my Lord,
Elijah was a witness for my Lord,
Elijah was a witness for my Lord,
Elijah was a witness for my Lord.


CONCLUDING (or intervening) PORTION:
(as many times as desired)

Oh who will be a witness for my Lord,
Who will be a witness for my Lord,
Who will be a witness for my Lord,
Now who will be a witness for my Lord?

REFRAIN:
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord,
My soul is a witness for my Lord.


~SH

Subject: ADD: PEACE LIKE A RIVER
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:11 AM

An old Cursillo song. When life-- even your Christian life because of Lenten conditioning-- has you down about yourself, this song is a good antidote.

~S~

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

PEACE LIKE A RIVER
Traditional. Adapted, edited, arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river.
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river.
I've got peace like a river in my soul.

2. I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain.
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.
I've got joy like a fountain,
I've got joy like a fountain.
I've got joy like a fountain in my soul.

3. I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean.
I've got love like an ocean in my soul.
I've got love like an ocean,
I've got love like an ocean.
I've got love like an ocean in my soul.

4. I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river.
I've got peace like a river in my soul.
I've got peace like a river,
I've got peace like a river.
I've got peace like a river in my soul.


SH

Subject: ADD: PURIFY MY HEART
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:13 AM

Another praise/worship song. And a good reminder to let ourselves be purged-- purified-- free-- of all negativity.

~Susan

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

PURIFY MY HEART
By Jeff Nelson. Adapted, edited, arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. Purify my heart;
Touch me with Your cleansing fire!   
Take me to the cross;
Your holiness is my desire.   

2. Breathe Your life in me;
Kindle a love that flows from Your throne.
Oh, purify my heart,
Purify my heart!


SH

Subject: ADD: Rock In The Weary Land/THE SHELTERING ROCK
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:23 AM

This gem springs, fuill of life, out of the Max Hunter collection (online sound/text/notation). Ollie Gilbert knew and could reel off hundreds, maybe thousands, of songs. She had her own style of puitting them across-- forthright. She did this one in such a way that I can never get another style for it in my head or out of my throat-- to the benfeit of the song, and the singer.

We lined out this one with the people, too. Now, I understand two ways of lining out-- one is to sing-sonhg just a fragment of the next line's text, and the other-- the way we follow-- is to sing each line full-out for the people, who then repeat it back. It's so much fun to lead that! As the people sing each line back, the end of their line propels me into leading the next line, just as if I had just fh=inished singing the preceding line, myself. Tossing it back and forth like that, I feel them leading me, as much as I may be leading them. So cool.

This is a different song from the one most people know by this title. The tune is in two parts (A & B like a fioddle tune), and instead of a full refrain (or in addition to one if you wish), each verse has a refrain-like portion that follows on logically from the verse's text. I've indicated it in the first verse, below, but the pattern continues through succeeding verses.

Text and theme are GREAT for Lent-- parallel of Jesus' temptation in the desert.

~Susan

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

ROCK IN THE WEARY LAND (AKA "THE SHELTERING ROCK")
Words & Music: W. E. Penn, 1887. As sung by Ollie Gilbert, Mountain View, Arkansas on February 9, 1970. Edited by Susan O. Hinton. Arrangement © 2007 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

A great rock in a weary land. Isaiah 32:2


1. A Part: There is a rock in the weary land;
Its shadow falls on the burning sand,
Inviting pilgrims as they pass
To seek a shade in the wilderness.
B Part: Then why will ye die?
Why will ye die?
When the sheltering rock is so near by,
Then why will ye die?

2. There is a well, in the desert plain;
Its waters call with entreating strain.
Whoever thirsts, ye sinsick soul,
Come freely drink and you shall be whole.
Then why will ye die?
Why will ye die?
When the living well is so near by,
Then why will ye die?

3. There is a fold, with its portals wide;
The sheep astray on the mountainside.
The shepherd comes o'er mountain steep
Searching for His wandering sheep.
Then why will ye die?
Why will ye die?
When the shepherd's fold is so near by,
Then why will ye die?

4. There is a cross where the Savior died;
His blood flowed out in a crimson tide,
A sacrifice for sins of men,
And free to all who will enter in.
Then why will ye die?
Why will ye die?
When the crimson cross is so near by,
Then why will ye die?


SH

Subject: ADD: SEEK YE FIRST
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:27 AM

I guess everyone knows Rock of Ages, so I'll go on to the next-- SEEK YE FIRST.

The Alleluia's can be sung as a separate refrain, and/or as a counterpoint to the verse sung simultaneously. A pretty one.

~S~

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

SEEK YE FIRST
By Karen Lafferty. From Matthew 6:33.

1. Seek ye first the kingdom of God,
And His righteousness,
And all these things shall be given unto you,
Al-le-lu, allelu--ia.

REFRAIN:
Alleluia,
Alleluia,
Alleluia,
Al-le-lu, allelu---ia.

2. Man shall not live by bread alone,
But by every word
That proceeds from the mouth of God,
Al-le-lu, allelu--ia.

3. Ask and it shall be given unto you,
Seek and ye shall find.
Knock and the door shall be opened unto you,
Al-le-lu, allelu--ia.


SH

Subject: ADD: STAND THE STORM
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:31 AM

Hm, I can't recall now where I heard this one, and whether I wrote any of the verses. I may have gotten it from a Bahamian spirituals CD-- it's similar in some ways to another rowing spiritual, "Michael Row the Boat Ashore."

The first time we used it, it was right after the WTC collapse, and we wanted to steady the people with something strong and reassuring. The tune, as well as the text, give that effect. We've used it many times since, whenever there's been that kind of need. SO it occurred to me that Lent might call for it as well.

~Susan

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

STAND THE STORM
Traditional Negro Spiritual. Edited by Susan O. Hinton.
Arrangement © 2007 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.


REFRAIN
O stand the storm, it won't be long, we'll anchor by and by,
O stand the storm, it won't be long, we'll anchor by and by.

1. My ship is on the ocean,
We'll anchor by and by.
My ship is on the ocean,
We'll anchor by and by.

2. She's making for the kingdom,
We'll anchor by and by.
She's making for the kingdom,
We'll anchor by and by.

3. When shall I reach that happy place?
We'll anchor by and by.
When shall I reach that happy place
We'll anchor by and by.

4. My ship is heavy laden,
We'll anchor by and by.
My ship is heavy laden,
We'll anchor by and by.

5. When shall I see my Father's face?
We'll anchor by and by.
When shall I see my Father's face?
We'll anchor by and by.

6. I hear the angels calling,
We'll anchor by and by.
I hear the angels calling,
We'll anchor by and by.


SH

Subject: ADD: TO KNOW YOU MORE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:34 AM

A frequent theme in Hardi's preaching is that Lent is a time not to give up something, but to add something in such a way as to draw ourselves closer and closer to our Lord. This song is a waltz from the praise/worship side.

~S~

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

TO KNOW YOU MORE
By Joe Horness

1. To know You, in all of Your glory
To love You, with all that I am
With all of my heart
Lord, this is my prayer
To know You more

2. To know You, in all of Your power
To trust You, with all that I am
With all of my heart
Lord, this is my prayer
To know You more

3. To know You, in all of Your mercy
To serve You, with all that I am
With all of my heart
Lord, this is my prayer
To know You more


SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:37 AM

The Muldaur version of this one is very catching. Lilting, dancing.

~S~

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

TROUBLE SOON BE OVER
By Blind Willie Johnson. Learned from the singing of Geoff Muldaur, appearing on "A Prairie Home Companion." Arranged and words adapted for the Good News-Goodtime Band by Susan O. Hinton.

REFRAIN:
Oh, the trouble soon be over.
Sorrow will have an end.
Oh, the trouble soon be over, oh!
Sorrow will have an end.

1. Well, God is my burden bearer,
He is my best friend.
He carries in all my sorrow,
And tells me to lean on Him.

2. When trouble is all around me,
He spreads out His mighty wings.
Yes He is my strong protection;
I know He will take me in.

3. Though my burden may be heavy,
And almost crush me down,
Someday I'll rest with Jesus
And wear a starry crown.

4. He proved a friend to David,
And hid him in a cave.
The same God that David served
Covers me today.

5. I'll take His yoke upon me,
And live a Christian life.
With Jesus for my Savior,
My burden will be light.


SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:55 AM

The tune for this one is in two keys, going from C to F and back again from verse to chorus. It's in a lot of children's hymn books; I got it from the Wee Sing series. Sometimes Hardi and I toss the questions and answers back and forth.

Our Saturday-nighters always love a good children's piece, whether they know if from their own Sunday-School days or whether we're introducing a new one. We have some young families who attend in intergenerational groups. And quite often the older folks bring a grandkid or great-grand on Saturday night.

These littlest ones have a very special role in the service; the first one to arrive is given a tiny handbell for the adult to help them ring at a specific moment during the prayer of consecration, before communion. In the usual Mass, that would be a BIG bell rung up near the BIG altar, by a BIG kid dressed in formal vestments and trying to be VERY FORMAL in altar service; on Saturday nights, though, it's a teeny bell tinkling from somewhere out in the pews at the right moment, rung by a teeny kid just being a kid, and it's then that we know we have children present.

On Saturday night, that Sanctus bell is only rung when a child attends. They're so small that you can't see them, below the pew-backs.... you don't always know, as a parishioner, if there are ANY present on any given night. So there is always a big smile that breaks out around the pews, when they hear that bell, and they listen for it. When weeks go by without hearing it, someone always gets up the nerve to try bringing one to church with them, because if there are no children, who will grow the church?

Why is it so hard to think to bring them, and why does it take nerve? Because in older times, children were told to be seen, and NEVER heard, in church-- on pain of corporal punsihment. One lady told us that in her own early childhood, she could be smacked for speaking to the priest if he didn't speak to her first.

So it's a serious thing, to think of bringing a child to make noise on purpose, and even to let them move around freely during the service, as we not only permit, but encourage. I've had them sneak up to stand at my knee as I play and sing, to snuggle in and watch up close. The adults who brought them almost died of this, but they can't bring themselves to argue with the priest's wife when I tell them their kids are fine. One week, a 3-year-old came all the way up to the portable table Hardi uses as the Saturday altar. She stood beside him holding hands with him as he consecrated, and then jumped down the step as he came forward with the consecrated elements to communicate the people. She stood perfectly still, enrapt, at his side watching what was hapopoening, saying "Wow" as she jumped down and "wow" at several of the communions being received.

This is how we treat kids.

~Susan

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

WHO BUILT THE ARK?
Traditional African-American Spiritual. Edited and arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.


REFRAIN:
Who built the ark? Noah! Noah!
Who built the ark? Brother Noah built the ark!


1. Old man Noah, he built the ark,
He built it out of the hickory bark.
He built it long, both wide and tall,
With plenty of room for the large and small.

2. In came the animals, two by two,
Hippopotamus and kangaroo.
In came the animals, three by three,
Two big cats and a bumblebee.

3. In came the animals, four by four,
Two thru the window & two thru the door.
In came the animals, five by five,
The bees came a-swarmin' from the hive.

4. In came the animals, six by six,
The elephants laughed at the monkeys' tricks.
In came the animals, seven by seven,
Giraffes and camels lookin' up to heaven.

5. In came the animals, eight by eight,
Some on time and some were late.
In came the animals, nine by nine,
Some were laughin' and some were cryin'.

6. In came the animals, ten by ten,
Time for the voyage to begin.
Brother Noah said, "Go an' shut that door!
The rain's started fallin' & we can't take more!"


SH

Subject: ADD: YOU HEAR THE LAMBS A-CRYING
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 11:57 AM

YOU HEAR THE LAMBS A-CRYING
Traditional African-American Spiritual. Edited and arranged (C) 2006 Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.


REFRAIN:
You hear the lambs a-cryin', hear the lambs a-cryin',
Hear the lambs a-cryin', O Shepherd, feed my sheep
You hear the lambs a-cryin', hear the lambs a-cryin',
Hear the lambs a-cryin', O Shepherd, feed my sheep

LEADER: Wasn't that an awful shame
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep
LEADER: He hung three hours in mortal pain
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep

LEADER: Lord, You died that I might live
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep
LEADER: All to You, I freely give
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep

LEADER: Lord I love Thee Thou dost know
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep
LEADER: O give me grace to love Thee more
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep

LEADER: My Savior spoke these words so sweet,
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep
LEADER: Sayin' "Child, if you love Me, feed my sheep"
PEOPLE: O Shepherd, feed my sheep

SH

Subject: ADD: WINGS OF A DOVE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 12:00 PM

From our Green Songbook (Gospel Favorites Volume One). Got it right here at Mudcat, after hearing the Dolly Parton version. I think it's the third verse that's Mudcatter bbc's. I think she has it as v. 4, but I moved it to be v. 3.

~Susan

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

WINGS OF A DOVE
Bob Ferguson, edited by and one verse by "bbc"


CHORUS:
On the wings of a snow-white dove,
He sends His pure, sweet love--
Like stars from above...
On the wings of a dove.

1. When Noah had drifted on the flood many days,
He searched for land in various ways.
Well the raven returned, with no place to land.
Then God sent His love... on the wings of a dove.

2. When Jesus went down to the Jordan that day,
He was baptized by John (in the usual way).
And when it was done, God blessed His Son.
He sent Him His love... on the wings of a dove.

3. Counselor, Teacher... Comforter, Friend;
Our seal of salvation; guarantee till life's end,
It's the Gift of the Father-- the Holy Spirit of God--
Sent to each who believes...on the wings of a dove.

4. So when troubles surround us or sorrows come,
Tho the body grows weak and the spirit grows numb.
Yet when evils beset us, we are never alone.
Gods sends us His love... on the wings of a dove.


SH

Subject: ADD: WHISPERING HOPE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 12:05 PM

I don't have all of "Create in Me a Clean Heart" which Hardi has done as an offertory. It's either a Taize piece, or similar.

Hard to sing with my present range, WHISPERING HOPE is one I often play instrumentally during communion. Although I do not pluck melody on my autoharp, and only strum chords, the chord pattern of this one is so recognizable that many folks have said they knew exactly what it was as soon as they heard the first verse move into the refrain. It's an old favorite of so many, I'm glad just to evoke it for them.

~S~

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

WHISPERING HOPE
By Septimus Winner, 1868. Hymnals often list the author as "Alice Hawthorne," one of Winner's several pseudonyms.

1. Soft as the voice of an angel,
Breathing a lesson unheard,
Hope with a gentle persuasion
Whispers her comforting word:
Wait till the darkness is over,
Wait till the tempest is done,
Hope for the sunshine tomorrow,
After the shower is gone.

REFRAIN:
Whispering hope,
Oh how welcome
Thy voice,
Making my heart
In its sorrow rejoice.
Making my heart
In its sorrow rejoice.

2. If, in the dusk of the twilight,
Dim be the region afar,
Will not the deepening darkness
Brighten the glimmering star?
Then when the night is upon us,
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over,
Watch for the breaking of day.

3. Hope, as an anchor so steadfast,
Rends the dark veil for the soul,
Whither the Master has entered,
Robbing the grave of its goal.
Come then, O come, glad fruition,
Come to my sad weary heart;
Come, O Thou blest hope of glory,
Never, O never depart.


SH

Subject: ADD: FARTHER ALONG^^^
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 12:11 PM

FARTHER ALONG is one of those songs that I think 99% of Christendom must know very well indeed-- except "Cradle Episcopalians." E'palians have often tended to be somewhat insulated from the rest of Christendom.... the old-school ones I know all grew up with formality and know nothing of gospel music, or many of other denominations' well-known favorites. We love introducing them to such as those, with the Saturday service or at the annual parish picnic for which we furnish the music-- because we're more portable than the organ. :~)

~Susan

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

FARTHER ALONG^^^
By Hank Williams, Sr.. Adapted, edited, and arranged (C) 2005 by Susan O. Hinton for The Good News-Goodtime Band.

1. Tempted and tried we're oft' made to wonder
Why it should be thus all the day long;
While there are others living about us,
Never molested, though in the wrong.

REFRAIN:
Farther along we'll know all about it.
Farther along we'll understand why.
Cheer up my brothers, live in the sunshine;
We'll understand it all by and by.

2. Faithful to death is our loving saviour,
A few more days to labour and wait.
Toils of the road will then be as nothing,
As we walk through that beautiful gate.

3. When we see Jesus coming in glory;
When He comes from His home in the sky.
Then we shall meet Him in that bright mansion;
We'll understand it all by and by.

4. Often I wonder why I must journey
Over a road so rugged and steep;
While there are others living in comfort;
While with the lost I labour and weep.^^^
   

SH

---

Note from Joe Offer: this song was written by Rev. W.B. Stevens and J.R. Baxter, Jr. - copyright 1937 by The Stamps-Baxter Music Co.

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 12:12 PM

Just a few left, the Palm Sunday even ones. I'll get back to them when I can.

~Susan

Subject: ADD: WHEN JESUS LEFT HIS FATHER'S THRONE
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 04:28 PM

Palm Sunday choices fell to hardi because he picked them last year when I was absent, and we re-uised them this year because the readings were the same.

"When Jesus Left His Father's Throne" is from our ECUSA 1982 hymnal (tune = Star of the County Down). Here's the Cyberhymnal text.

~Susan

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

WHEN JESUS LEFT HIS FATHER'S THRONE
Words: James Montgomery, 1816, alt. This hymn was writ­ten for the Hall­am Sun­day School, near Sheff­ield, Eng­land. Music: Kings­fold, English mel­o­dy; ar­ranged by Ralph Vaughan Will­iams, 1906.

Christ Jesus... being in very nature God... made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant. Philippians 2:6-7


1. When Jesus left His Father's throne,
He chose a humble birth;
Like us, unhonored and unknown,
He came to dwell on earth.
Like Him may we be found below,
In wisdom's path of peace;
Like Him in grace and knowledge grow,
As years and strength increase.

2. Sweet were His words and kind His look,
When mothers round Him pressed;
Their infants in His arms He took,
And on His bosom blessed.
Safe from the world's alluring harms,
Beneath His watchful eye,
Thus in the circle of His arms
May we forever lie.

3. When Jesus into Zion rode,
The children sang around;
For joy they plucked the palms and strewed
Their garments on the ground.
Hosanna our glad voices raise,
Hosanna to our King!
Should we forget our Savior's praise,
The stones themselves would sing.


SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 04:33 PM

An alternative choice might be "Ivory Palaces" from our Advent Songbooklet.

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

IVORY PALACES
Words & Music: Henry Barraclough, 1915


1. My Lord has garments so wondrous fine,
And myrrh their texture fills;
Its fragrance reached to this heart of mine
With joy my being thrills.

REFRAIN
Out of the ivory palaces,
Into a world of woe,
Only His great eternal love
Made my Savior go.


2. His life had also its sorrows sore,
For aloes had a part;
And when I think of the cross He bore,
My eyes with teardrops start.

3. His garments too were in cassia dipped,
With healing in a touch;
Each time my feet in some sin have slipped,
He took me from its clutch.

4. In garments glorious He will come,
To open wide the door;
And I shall enter my heav'nly home,
To dwell forevermore.


SH

Subject: ADD: IVORY PALACES and BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVA
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 04:41 PM

Old Rugged Cross and What a Friend We Have in Jesus are well known..... I see the last one left to post is our old friend, "Burdens Are Lifted At Calvary." Gosh, what a great song-- and always singable no matter the key or the voice of the day! No worries if you haven't ever heard it, either-- it's so singlable that we've never had it fail to rouse people to sing right along. Lord, we do love our waltzes. Good one to practice singing clean diction, too, especially the "-ear" sound!

~Susan

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

BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY
By John M. Moore.

1. Days are filled with sorrow and care,
Hearts are lonely and drear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

REFRAIN:
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Calvary, Calvary;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

2. Cast your care on Jesus today;
Leave your worry and fear;
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.

3. Troubled soul, the Savior can see
Every heartache and tear,
Burdens are lifted at Calvary,
Jesus is very near.


SH

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 11 Apr 07 - 04:44 PM

That's it for the year. I hope we'll add some new ones next year (completing the 3-year cycle in our lectionary). We'll have a new songbooklet ready soon that has mostly older folks' favorites, and that will extend our choices into some new areas as well.

There you have it-- Lent CAN be reverent without being depressing, and folkie without being overly precious and smarmy, too! It's OK to tap your toes, in Lent!

~Susan

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: maeve
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 07:32 AM

" So it's a serious thing, to think of bringing a child to make noise on purpose, and even to let them move around freely during the service, as we not only permit, but encourage. I've had them sneak up to stand at my knee as I play and sing, to snuggle in and watch up close. The adults who brought them almost died of this, but they can't bring themselves to argue with the priest's wife when I tell them their kids are fine. One week, a 3-year-old came all the way up to the portable table Hardi uses as the Saturday altar. She stood beside him holding hands with him as he consecrated, and then jumped down the step as he came forward with the consecrated elements to communicate the people. She stood perfectly still, enrapt, at his side watching what was hapopoening, saying "Wow" as she jumped down and "wow" at several of the communions being received.

This is how we treat kids."

Thank you for this image, along with the whole lovely thread.

maeve

Subject: RE: Celebratory Folkie Lenten Music
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Apr 07 - 08:02 AM

You're very welcome.

~Susan

Subject: ADD: Working on a Building, new verse
From: wysiwyg
Date: 22 Feb 09 - 11:53 AM

New verse for Working on a Building, above.


If I did a favor, I tell you what I would do.
I'd do it cuz I love ya,
And I'd work on the building too.

~S~

Subject: ADD: Change My Heart, Oh God
From: GUEST,W y s i w y G ! (18 Feb)
Date: 21 Feb 15 - 06:30 PM

CHANGE MY HEART, OH GOD
From Maranatha! as learned by Susan O. and Greg Hinton.

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

SH