Religious Songs That Speak To You

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 07:53 AM

I STOOD ON THE BANKS OF JORDAN
{composed by James Cleveland}

Chorus:
I stood on the banks of Jordan {one day}
Just to see those ships go sailin. Oh-oh-ooh
I stood on the banks of Jordan {Lord have mercy}
[Lord just] to see those ships [the old ship of Zion] go by


Verse #1
{And when I saw it} I said Lord I got my ticket
Please don't leave me down here
You took back my father You came back and got my mother
You took everything from me that was so dear

Chorus:
{and all I could do was} stand there on the banks of Jordon [mother was goin home]
Just to see those ships go sails go sailing Oh-oh-ooh.
I stood on Jordan [God knows I did]
to see those ships go by.

Verse #2
{Listen} I know she's waitin and watchin.
I told her I'll be home after while.
[Oh] Those were the last words I ever told my mother.
She closed her eyes and she went on to glory with a smile.

Chorus:
I stood on the banks of Jordan [my heart was heavy]
Just to see those sails go sailing-Oh-oh-ooh
I stood on the banks of Jordan [God knows I did]
Just to see those ships go by.

Verse #3
Lord, I sure got my ticket.
And it's stamped for glory land.
I don't want that ole ship to leave me.
That's the only transportation I got to glory land.

Chorus:
I stood there on the Jordan
Just to see those ships go sailing {Ooh-oh-ooh}.
I stood on the banks of Jordan {God knows I did}.
Just to see those ships go by.
[repeat this last line a number of times with extemporaneous words added by the soloist].

-snip-

Since I couldn't find the lyrics to this song online, I transcribed them from this YouTube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cVMV3FtwSw
"Stood On The Banks Of The Jordan" - Jessy Dixon.

Note that the title is
"Stood on the banks of Jordan. However, until the last chorus, Jessy Dixon sang "I Stood On The Banks Of Jordan".

The words in brackets are what I believe are that soloist's ad-lib lyrics. I may have missed other ad-lib words in the verses. I didn't attempt to transcribe Jessy Dixon's extemporaneous words at the end of this song. Of course, another soloist could sing other ad-lib words or no extemporaneous words at all.

**

Click to read the biography of Rev. James Cleveland

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 01:33 AM

WALK AROUND HEAVEN ALL DAY
{Albertina Walker & The Caravans}?

One of these mornings won't be very long
You will look for me and I'll be gone
I'm going to a place where I'll have nothing, nothing to do
But just walk around, walk around heaven all day

Verse 2:
When I get to heaven I'm gonna sing and shout
Nobody will be able to put me out
My mother will be waiting
And my father, too
And we'll just walk around, walk around heaven all day

Bridge:
Dear Lord above don't you hear me praying
Walk right by my side
Hold my hand when my way gets a little cloudy
I need you, I need you to be my guide

Verse 3:
Every day will be Sunday, my Lord
Sabbath will have no end
And we'll do nothing but sing and praise Him
Then He'll say well done
And my race, my race will be won
And I'll walk around, walk around heaven all day.

Vamp:
Walk around heaven.

Ending:
I'll just walk around heaven all day.

http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/553637.html

-anip-

Here's two YouTube videos of this powerful song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPCStGK2fmQ
Casietta George - Walk Around Heaven All Day {sound clip with photo of the singer}

**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9H2vbQnAK0
PATTI LABELLE- "WALK AROUND HEAVEN ALL DAY" 2006

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 13 Nov 07 - 01:03 AM

By way of Google, I found this Mudcat thread with the lyrics to this song and additional information:thread.cfm?threadid=55373&messages=4

If I Can Help Somebody

written in 1945 by Alma Bazel Androzzo, made famous by Mahalia Jackson, a hit in 1951 for Irish tenor Joseph Locke

If I Can Help Somebody

If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
If I can cheer somebody, with a word or song,
If I can show somebody, how they're travelling wrong,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

Chorus:
My living shall not be in vain,
Then my living shall not be in vain
If I can help somebody, as I pass along,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

If I can do my duty, as a good man ought,
If I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought,
If I can spread love's message, as the Master taught,
Then my living shall not be in vain.

-snip-

Here's two YouTube video clips of this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX1K0JL72J4
Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain-Deborah Chambers
**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=edBGuudFeu8
Then My Living Will Not Be In Vain-Patti Labelle

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Bert
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 05:13 PM

Not being relisious myself I don't have too many of them, but I do agree with you Azizi about "Precious Lord Take my Hand".

And My Dad, a confirmed atheist used to sing this one...


From,
HymnSite.com Home

277. Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
Text: William H. Parker
Music: Frederick A. Challinor
Tune: STORIES OF JESUS, Meter: 84.84.54.54
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1.        Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear;
        things I would ask him to tell me if he were here:
        scenes by the wayside, tales of the sea,
        stories of Jesus, tell them to me.

2.        First let me hear how the children stood round his knee,
        and I shall fancy his blessing resting on me;
        words full of kindness, deeds full of grace,
        all in the lovelight of Jesus' face.

3.        Into the city I'd follow the children's band,
        waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand;
        one of his heralds, yes, I would sing
        loudest hosannas, "Jesus is King!"

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Janie
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 04:12 PM

Father Have Mercy on the Souls of Your Children (copyright Craig Hammond)

Father have mercy on the souls of your children
Lord, have mercy on us all
Show us true gentleness, brotherhood and righteousness
Guide our footsteps on the path
Guide our footsteps on the path

In these days of reckoning a new world is beckoning
Justice must be our one desire
And in this troubled hour bestow our lives with power
Help us to redeem this cut and bleeding earth
Help us to redeem this cut and bleeding earth

Open up the hearts of man and let your healing light shine in
Grant our quest for unity
Peace and harmony with people from across the sea
One world full of love and light
One world full of love and light

Father have mercy on the souls of your children
Lord, have mercy on us all
Show us true gentleness, brotherhood and righteousness
Guide our footsteps on the path
Guide our footsteps on the path

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST,BJ
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 03:46 PM

Come……ye……discon…..so-late | Where……/\'er…. /\ 'er….
Ye….lan……….guish |

Come….to……the mer…../\ cy /\ seat |
Fer…..ve-ent-ly kneel……

Here…..bring….your woun….ded hearts…
Here…..te-ell…..your a….an…..guish |

Earth…../\ has……no……so-or……ro-ow
That hea | ven…..tha-at hea | ven
Can….not heal……

Joy…..of…..the de….so-late
Light…../\ o- /\ of…..
The stray…..ing |

Hope……of the pe…..ni-tent
Fade……le-ess and…..pure…..

Here…..spe-aks the Com…..for-ter
Ten….de-er-ly, say……ing

Earth…../\ has……no……so-or……ro-ow
That hea | ven…..that hea | ven
Can….not cure…..

Here….se-e….
The Bread…….of Life |
Se- /\ e……/\ wa…../\ ters flow……ing |

Flow……ing forth from
The /\ throne……./\ of /\ God……..
Pure……..from……..a-bove…….

Come on…….3Xs
To…….the feast…….of love |
Come on…….3Xs
Ev-er know……ing |

Earth……has…..no sor…..row
That hea | ven…..cannot…..remove
{REPEAT}

Disconsolate: Unhappy, dejected, gloomy, melancholy, sad, discontent, dissatisfied, displeased disgruntled, disappointed, disillusioned, upset.
Languish: suffer, get weak

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: topical tom
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 05:26 PM

That Little White Church


        

There's a little white church in the valley
That stands in my memory each day
And it seems I can hear the bells now ringing
Though I am many miles away

And many times in church on Sunday morning
That whole countryside would gather there
They would all kneel down by the altar
As they lifted up their voice in prayer

   Oh the church in the valley that little white church
   Is the place I love so well
   Now I'm sad and lonely yes I'm sad and lonely
   For that little white church in the dell

They would sing the old song Rock of Ages
Oh Christ let me hide myself in thee
And I know some of them are now waiting
Just o'er the dark and stormy sea

I know that troubles all are ended
And happy forever they will be
They are waiting and watching up yonder
For the coming home of you and me

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: LeTenebreux
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 09:43 AM

I love the song "Who Will Sing For Me?". I have two recordings of it, one by Emmy Lou Harris and the other by Finest Kind.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 08:57 AM

"Center of My Joy" is a fairly new gospel song. Here's another gospel song that is even newer:

THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD IS HERE
{Byron Cage}

The presence of the Lord is here (2x's)
I feel it in the atmosphere,
The presence of the Lord is here, oh (2x's)

The spirit of the Lord is here(2x's)
I feel it in the atmosphere,
The spirit of the Lord is here, oh(2x's)

The power of the Lord is here(2x's)
I feel it in the atmosphere,
The power of the Lord is here, oh(2x's)

Bridge
Everybody blow the trumpet and sound the alarm
Because the Lord is in the temple
Let everybody bow
Let all the people praise Him now
The Lord, is here

A Blessing from the Lord is here(2x's)
I feel it in the atmosphere,
A blessing from the Lord is here (2x's)
[The Presence of the Lord lyrics on http://www.metrolyrics.com]


Bridge

The Lord(3x's)
is here

I can feel the presence of the Lord and I'm gonna get my blessing right now(10x's)

Can't you see Him working on the outside
I can see Him moving on the inside
So come and enter in and cast your cares on Him
He'll open up a window and pour you out a blessing
Cause when the Lord steps in He brings everything you need
Healing, power, and victory
Said it's all up to you, whatever you need Him to do
Just trust Him and believe and then by faith you will receive

I can feel the presence of the Lord and I'm gonna get my blessing right now (7x's)

The blessing of the Lord is here


http://www.metrolyrics.com/the-presence-of-the-lord-lyrics-byron-cage.html

Here's a video of that song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QyVPKbZzww

**

This song's basic structure reminds me of 19th century {and earlier} African American spirituals.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 08:47 AM

{Jesus You're the} CENTER OF MY JOY
{Richard Smallwood}

(Intro)
Jesus, You?re the center of my joy.
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment.
Hope for all I do.
Jesus, You?re the center of my joy.

(Verse)
When I've lost my direction,
You're the compass for my way.
You're the fire in the light,
when nights are long and cold.
In sadness You are the laughter
that shadows all my fears.
When I'm all alone,
Your hand is there to hold.
Oooh

(Chorus)
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.
All that's good and perfect comes from You.
You're the heart of my contentment.
Hope for all I do.
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.

(Verse)
You are why I find pleasure
in the simple things in life.
You're the music in the meadows and the streams.
The voices of the children, my family and my home.
You're the source and finish of my highest dreams.

(Chorus)
Jesus, You're the center of my joy.
All that's good and perfect
(All that's good and perfect comes from You).
You're the heart of my contentment (You're the heart of my contentment).
Hope for all I do (Hope for all I do).

(Vamp)
Jesus, (Jesus,) You are (You are) the center (the center) of my joy (of my
joy). (three times)
You are everything (Jesus,) everything (You are) everything (the center)
yeah everything (of my joy).
Yor're my joy (Jesus,) in my sorrow (You are) You're my heart (the center)
for tomorrow (of my joy).
When I'm nowhere (Jesus,) feeling sad (You Are) You're the lifter (the
center) of my height (of my joy).
You're my music (Jesus,) You're my song (You are) You're my joy (the center)
all day long (of my joy).
Jesus, (Jesus,) You're the center of my joy (joy, my joy).

http://www.nomorelyrics.net/song/149154.html

That song serves as audio for a collage of beautiful photographs in this YouTube video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Py7ehvxaJoE
Jesus You're the Center of my Joy - Richard Smallwood

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 08:33 AM

Psalm 103 {excerpt: verse 1 &2}

Bless The Lord
Oh my soul
and all that is within me
Bless His holy name

-snip-

There are a number of songs that were inspired by this Old Testament scripture. Among these songs are "Oh Bless The Lord" and "Bless The Lord {Oh My Soul}". Here are several YouTube examples of these songs:

Oh Bless The Lord:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ionHyBpSjH0
Meredith - 10 yrs old - Singing from Godspell

*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbzsf1TBaSs
Oh Bless The Lord My Soul-two talented young men singing a duet at their high school variety show

**
Bless the Lord Oh My Soul:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ_FVkw-nDc
Judith Christie-McAllister - Bless The Lord Oh My Soul

*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPIaplJPayQ
Bless The Lord (Oh My Soul)-The Talented

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST,KT
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 11:19 PM

Great thread.   There are so many that speak to me... including many that have been named above.

Thanks, Bobad, for the You tube link to Tantum Ergo. Though I frequent Youtube on a regular basis, it never occurred to me to seek out something like Tantum Ergo there. I've just spent the last hour searching and listening to many songs from my earliest church experiences. Holy God, We Praise Thy Name, Come Holy Ghost, Tantum Ergo, etc. (Bobad, did you catch the toddler singing Tantum Ergo?)


Janie said, "As I contemplate the premise of the thread title, I find I make distinctions between songs that are favorites because of the associations they have with childhood or family significance, and songs that 'speak' to me spiritually. Anybody else notice that?

Yes, Janie, AND I noticed that many that had strong significance to me as a child, still do, not only because of their association to my childhood, but because they held a sacredness then and still do - a sacredness which I find less evident in much of the contemporary music.

KT

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 10:30 PM

Simple Faith by David Tamulevich

Ours is a simple faith
Life is a short embrace
Heaven is in this place
Every day
Hope is the ground we till
Make each day what you will
Thankful for dreams fulfilled
Every day

There is no hell to fear
No judgment day drawing near
Trust that inner voice you hear
Every day
Life's not a goal or race
It's about heart and faith
And living the life of grace
Every Day

Ours is a simple faith
Life is a short embrace
Heaven is in this place
Every day
Hope is the ground we till
Make each day what you will
Thankful for dreams fulfilled
Every day

Trust is an open hand
Making an honest stand
Rooted in the land
Every day
Live in the mystery
Seeking the harmony
Here between you and me
Every Day

Ours is a simple faith
Life is a short embrace
Heaven is in this place
Every day
Hope is the ground we till
Make each day what you will
Thankful for dreams fulfilled
Every day

Subject: Lyr Add: HOLY NOW (Peter Mayer)
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 10:19 PM

HOLY NOW
(Peter Mayer)

When I was a boy each week, on Sundays we would go to church,
Pay attention to the priest, and he would read the holy words.

And consecrate the holy bread, everyone would kneel and bow,
Today the only difference is, everything is holy now.
Everything, everything, everything is holy now.

When I was in Sunday school, we would learn about the time,
Moses split the sea in two, and Jesus made the water wine.

I remember feeling sad, miracles don't happen still,
Now I can't keep track, everything is a miracle.
Everything, everything, everything is a miracle.

Wine from water is not so small, but an even greater magic trick, is that anything is here at all.
So the challenging thing becomes, not to look for miracles, but find them where there isn't one.

When holy water was rare at best, could barely wet my fingertips,
Now I have to hold my breath, I'm swimming in a sea of it.

There used to be a world out there, heaven's second-rate hand-me-downs,
I'm walking with reverend air, everything is holy now.
Everything, everything, everything is holy now.

Read a questioning child's face; say it's not a testament, that'd be very hard to say.
See another new morning come, say it's not a sacrament, I'll tell you that I can't be done.

This morning outside I stood; I saw a little red-winged bird,
Shining like the burning bush, singing like a scripture verse.

It made me want to bow my head; I remember when church let out,
How things have changed since then, everything is holy now.

There used to be a world out there, of heaven's second-rate hand-me-downs,
I'm walking with reverend air, everything is holy now.
      
                Peter Mayer

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 09:59 PM

THANK YOU LORD {FOR ALL YOU'VE DONE FOR ME}

{Walter Hawkins}


Verse 1:
Tragedies are common place. All kind of diseases, people are slipping away.
Economy's down, people can't get enough pay, as for me, all I can say is, "Thank you, Lord for all You've done for me".

Verse 2:
Folks without homes living out in the streets and the drug habit some say, they just can't beat. Muggers and robbers, no place seems to safe, but You've been my protection every step of the way and I want to say, "Thank you, Lord for all You've done for me".

Chorus:
(It could have been me) thank You,
(outdoors) thank You,
(with no food) thank You,
(and no clothes) thank You,
(or left alone) thank You,
(without a friend) thank You,
(or just another number) thank You,
(with a tragic end) thank You, Lord.
(But You didn't see fit) thank You,
(to let none of these things be) thank You,
('cause everyday by Your power) thank You,
(You keep on keeping me) thank You;
(and I want to say) Thank You Lord for all You've done for me.

Repeat chorus.

Vamp 1:
I wanna thank You for Your love (Thank You).
Thank you for Your power (thank You)
Thank you for protection (thank You)
every hour (thank You).

Vamp 2:
(I wanna thank You for Your love) thank you,
(I wanna thank You for power) thank You,
(thank You for protection) thank you,
(every hour) Thank you.

lead ad lib to end while choir says "Thank you"

http://www.lyricsandsongs.com/song/555803.html

**

Here's a YouTube video of this gospel song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9s1twEqgjc
Walter Hawkins choir - Thank You Lord {For All You've Done for Me}

Subject: ADD: How Great Thou Art
From: mouldy
Date: 03 Nov 07 - 06:44 AM

My mother asked for "How Great Thou Art" at her funeral, and I chose it for one of the hymns at Ian's in March, given his love of the outdoors and wild places.

HOW GREAT THOU ART

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc


I believe it was translated from a Russian hymn, and that's where Ian died.

As for Christmas, given the state of the world, it has to be "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear":

"...but man at war with man hears not
the love song that they bring.
Oh, hush the noise, ye men of strife,
and hear the angels sing!"

Not bad for something 19th century.

Andrea

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Uncle Phil
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 08:31 PM

Just As I Am With But One Plea
words Charlotte Elliott, music William Bradford.

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt...

Yeah, good stuff.
-Phil

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: bobad
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 07:34 PM

JESUS IS JUST ALRIGHT
The Byrds


Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right

I don't care what they may know
I don't care where they may go
I don't care what they may know
Jesus is just all right, oh yeah
Jesus is just all right

I don't care what they may say
I don't care what they may do
I don't care what they may say
Jesus is just all right, oh yeah
Jesus is just all right

Do, do, do, etc.

Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right

Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right, Oh yeah
Jesus is just all right with me
Jesus is just all right

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: sian, west wales
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 07:14 PM

Have we mentioned, "There were ninety-and-nine that safely lay"? (This being the 100th post and all)

sian

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Little Hawk
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 06:26 PM

That sounds like it might be an amusing song, knowing John Prine... ;-)

There are some great books about "the missing years". I recommend "The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ" among those. I don't think Jesus was just hammering boards in his first 30 years of life...uh-uh. I think he was traveling, studying hard, learning spiritual disciplines, and doing a great deal of spiritually oriented work. It wasn't covered in the Christian Church's official histories for whatever reason...probably because the few people writing those early official histories had not witnessed any of it themselves, firsthand.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: bankley
Date: 02 Nov 07 - 05:32 PM

"Jesus, the Missing Years"   by Prine...

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Conor123
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 01:05 PM

My favourites are four amazing songs that are religious in the broader sense:

'When We Become' by Clem Snide
'Sand and Water' by Beth Nielsen Chapman
'Let the Mystery Be' by Iris De Ment
'Small Voice Calling' by Ralph McTell


Also a humorous take on all this:
'Night Rider's Lament' ('Why Do You Ride for Your Money?') as sung by Nanci Griffith.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST,Neil D
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 11:47 AM

"Amazing Grace" on bagpipe. The ultimate funeral song.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Little Hawk
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 11:28 AM

That is a very powerful song, and well-suited to a funeral or any such sacred occasion.

You can't go wrong with that sort of thing. If there is, in fact, nothing out there...no God...no afterlife...such songs still summon up powerful and meaningful feelings in people and serve a good purpose. If, on the other hand, there is something out there, and there is an afterlife, then such songs give respect and assistance to it.

Only the hardened heart of the cynic or the overly proud intellect of someone who is on a personal vendetta against all such beliefs for his own ego's satisfaction can have the ill will to constantly aggressively attack all such practices simply as a matter of course...just because they are not practices of the attacker's own personal choice.

For my own part, I am certain that there is some higher intelligence involved intimately within and behind everything we experience in this life. I don't care what people call it or what name they give to it. I don't care what religion they clothe it in or if they attach no religion at all to it. It doesn't matter. I believe it is here, always has been, and always shall be, and we are all part of it in some way. Science is a useful way of observing its effects in this world. Religious practices are a symbolic way of giving it respect and honoring it. Ultimately, it's the force of love.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Nov 07 - 08:20 AM

This one we had for my mum's funeral, at her request. I then used it at Ian's this year. Given his love of walking hills and the outdoors, it seemed right. I also believe it is taken from a Russian hymn, and that's where he died. He wasn't a religious man as such, but he was convinced there was some higher intelligence behind what he saw.

'How Great Thou Art'

O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the works Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!

When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc

And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee, etc

As for Christmas, there are many beautiful carols. The one that speaks to me most these days is "It came Upon the Midnight Clear", which has a lot to say about the way of the world. And it was written in the 19th Century - nothing changes, really, does it?

Andrea

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:51 PM

ONE LITTLE CANDLE

{Author Unknown?}

It is better to light just one little candle
Than to stumble in the dark.
Better far that you light just one little candle,
All you need is a tiny spark.
If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free,
A wonderful dawn of a new day we'd see...
And if everyone lit just one little candle,
What a bright world this would be.

When the day is dark and dreary
And we know not where to go;
Don't let your heart go weary,
Just keep this thought in mind...

It is better to light just one little candle
Than to stumble in the dark.
Better far that you light just one little candle,
All you need is a tiny spark.
If we'd all say a prayer that the world would be free,
A wonderful dawn of a new day we'd see...
And if everyone lit just one little candle,
What a bright world this would be.

-snip-

YouTube Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyXG_yizD5I
Perry Como ~ One Little Candle (1955)

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 07:23 PM

DAY BY DAY

[Stephen Schwartz; From: Musical "Godspell"]


Day by day (solo voice)
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day

Day by day (chorus)
Day by day
Oh Dear Lord
Three things I pray
To see thee more clearly
Love thee more dearly
Follow thee more nearly
Day by day


Here's two YouTuve video clips of this song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50ugCd3_yPw
Shirley Bassey - DAY BY DAY

**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WizOagQJKTg
Day By Day {high school musical}

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Stringsinger
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 06:46 PM

Long-haired preachers come out every night,
Try to tell you what's wrong and what's right;
But when asked how 'bout something to eat
They will answer with voices so sweet:
CHORUS:
You will eat, bye and bye,
In that glorious land above the sky;
Work and pray, live on hay,
You'll get pie in the sky when you die.
The starvation army they play,
They sing and they clap and they pray
'Till they get all your coin on the drum
Then they'll tell you when you're on the bum:
Holy Rollers and jumpers come out,
They holler, they jump and they shout.
Give your money to Jesus they say,
He will cure all diseases today.
If you fight hard for children and wife --
Try to get something good in this life --
You're a sinner and bad man, they tell,
When you die you will sure go to hell.

Workingmen of all countries, unite,
Side by side we for freedom will fight;
When the world and its wealth we have gained
To the grafters we'll sing this refrain:


FINAL CHORUS:
You will eat, bye and bye,
When you've learned how to cook and to fry.
Chop some wood, 'twill do you good,
And you'll eat in the sweet bye and bye.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: PoppaGator
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 06:07 PM

If you liked those "Ripple" lyrics, by the way, and were not previously aware of this side of the Grateful Dead, you would do well to check out this "annotated Ripple" web page:

http://arts.ucsc.edu/gdead/agdl/ripple.html#dark

(Those of you who DO know all about Robert and Jerry, etc., will probaly enjoy the discussion, too. Perhaps even more...)

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST,Rich (bodhránaí gan cookie)
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 05:31 PM

"The Road to Findout" Cat Stevens


"Old Camp Meeting song(?) "   Doc Watson


"Goin Up On a Mountain" Dry Branch Fire Squad
"Old Oak Grove Church"   "   "       "   "


"Sisters and Brothers" I don't remember the original author, I heard it as a Jerry Garcia Band song

Rich

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: PoppaGator
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 05:14 PM

Bobert's mention of "70s country-rock gospel" made me think of a couple of numbers in (or near) that category.

When I first heard it many years ago, I thought "Spirit in the Sky" was downright stupid. Now I feel more favorably towards it on the rare occasion when it pops up.

"Get Together" ["Love is but the song we sing, fear's the way we die..."], by Dino Valenti and most famously recorded by Jesse Colin Young and the Youngbloods, is such a great expression of flower-power-era faith and idealism. You never hear it anymore, probably because people can't sing it without a sense of irony, which is a shame. (I'm working on it, but can't quite pull it off yet...)

Another ostensibly secular psychelic-folk anthem that expresses a beautiful spirituality is "Ripple," lyrics by Robert Hunter and music by Jerry Garcia:

If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine
And my tunes were played on the harp unstrung,
Would you hear my voice come thru the music,
Would you hold it near as it were your own?

Its a hand-me-down, the thoughts are broken,
Perhaps they're better left unsung.
I don't know, don't really care
Let there be songs to fill the air.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

Reach out your hand if your cup be empty,
If your cup is full may it be again,
Let it be known there is a fountain,
That was not made by the hands of men.

There is a road, no simple highway,
Between the dawn and the dark of night,
And if you go no one may follow,
That path is for your steps alone.

Ripple in still water,
When there is no pebble tossed,
Nor wind to blow.

You who choose to lead must follow
But if you fall you fall alone,
If you should stand then who's to guide you?
If I knew the way I would take you home.

Grateful Dead

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 04:51 PM

Higher Ground
[Words by John­son Oat­man, Jr.
Music by Charles H. Gab­ri­el
1898]

I'm pressing on the upward way,
New heights I'm gaining every day;
Still praying as I'm onward bound,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.

Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

I want to live above the world,
Though Satan's darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

I want to scale the utmost height
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I'll pray till Heav'n I've found,
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

Refrain
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven's table land,
A higher plane than I have found;
"Lord, plant my feet on higher ground."

http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/sounds/Hymns/higher_ground.htm ; including a midi sound clip

**

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzDyOyU6u5U&mode=related&search=

"Plant My Feet On Higher Ground" is the 3rd song in this medley of gospel songs that were performed at the 44th Grammy Television show.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Susan A-R
Date: 31 Oct 07 - 04:17 PM

Yes, I spit a little water over the computer over that one myself. I'm headed for Ohio in June, and hope to meet the legend.

Susan

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Jim Krause
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 11:49 PM

catspaw wrote:

I've always loved that old time Christmas song telling the tale of Joseph and Mary hurrying to Nazareth to give birth to her baby. "Joseph Beat Mary's Ass"......Lovely.....Beautiful tune and inspiring words by the Marquis de Sade......

Glad to see you're still around, Spaw. :-D

JimK

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Susan A-R
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 11:15 PM

In the Northern Harmony Shape Note book there's one called Garden Well actually there are two Gardens, and they are both lovely, but I'm thinking of
God from his cloudy cistern pours On the parched earth refreshing showers
God of the garden and the field God of the garden and the field a thousand joyful blessings yeilds.

Also Wendell Barry text, set by Malcolm Dalglish (No spelling ain't my strength)

Oh thou, far off and near, whole and broken
Who in necessity and in bounty waits
Who's truth is light and dark, mute though spoken
By thy wide grace
Show me thy narrow gate.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: CET
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 09:15 PM

And of course, Hyfrydol. This was played at our wedding, along with Be Thou my Vision.

Alleluia! sing to Jesus! His the scepter, His the throne.
Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone.
Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion thunder like a mighty flood.
Jesus out of every nation has redeemed us by His blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans are we left in sorrow now;
Alleluia! He is near us, faith believes, nor questions how;
Though the cloud from sight received Him when the forty days were o'er
Shall our hearts forget His promise, "I am with you evermore"?

Alleluia! bread of angels, Thou on earth our food, our stay;
Alleluia! here the sinful flee to Thee from day to day:
Intercessor, Friend of sinners, Earth's Redeemer, plead for me,
Where the songs of all the sinless sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal, Thee the Lord of lords we own;
Alleluia! born of Mary, Earth Thy footstool, Heav'n Thy throne:
Thou within the veil hast entered, robed in flesh our great High Priest;
Thou on earth both priest and victim in the Eucharistic feast.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: CET
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 09:10 PM

"Be thou my vision", Tune: Slane

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.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord;
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son;
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Be Thou my battle Shield, Sword for the fight;
Be Thou my Dignity, Thou my Delight;
Thou my soul's Shelter, Thou my high Tower:
Raise Thou me heavenward, O Power of my power.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High King of Heaven, my victory won,
May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heaven's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Joe_F
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:57 PM

sian: Yes, "Captain Kidd Hymn" is the silly name by which a certain hymn with that tune & metrical scheme is called in Lomax's _Folk Songs of North America_ and in _Rise Up Singing_. It is not, however, the one that beings "What wondrous love is this", but the one that begins

Through all the world below God is seen all around.
Search hills and valleys through: there He's found.
The growing of the corn, the lily and the thorn,
The pleasant and forlorn, all declare "God is there".
In the meadows drest in green, there He's seen.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Bobert
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:38 PM

P-Gator snatched up most of my favorites in his post above but, hey, not 'um all...

How's about them great 70's country rock gospel songs like "I Like the Christian Life" or "Jesus is Just Allright"??? Hey, they were some fine songs...

And Janie brought up another on another thread... "Keep your Lamp Trimmed and Burning (See what the Lord has done)"...

"Amazing Grace" is always an amazing song... I love playin' and singin' it even if it really chokes me up...

B~

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Janie
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 08:23 PM

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"   such longing!

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 07:37 PM

LORD, HELP ME TO HOLD OUT
[John P. Kee]

Lord, Help Me To Hold Out
Lord help me to hold out
Lord help me to hold out
Lord help me to hold out
Until my change come.

My way may not be easy
You did not say that it would be
When it gets dark
Can't find my way
You told me to put my trust in thee

-snip-

Here's a YouTube video of this gospel song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xyrq2Q3g5FE
Raymond & Co at the GGSummit in Birmingham Nth UK Nov 2006

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 07:17 PM

FARTHER ALONG
{Anonymous/Unknown; arr. by Barney E. Warren, pub. 1911}

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 more about it,
Farther along we'll understand why;
Cheer up, my brother, live in the sunshine,
We'll understand it all by and by.

Sometimes I wonder why I must suffer,
Go in the rain, the cold, and the snow,
When there are many living in comfort,
Giving no heed to all I can do.

Tempted and tried, how often we question
Why we must suffer year after year,
Being accused by those of our loved ones,
E'en though we've walked in God's holy fear.

Often when death has taken our loved ones,
Leaving our home so lone and so drear,
Then do we wonder why others prosper,
Living so wicked year after year.

"Faithful till death," saith our loving Master;
Short is our time to labor and wait;
Then will our toiling seem to be nothing,
When we shall pass the heavenly gate.

Soon we will see our dear, loving Savior,
Hear the last trumpet sound through the sky;
Then we will meet those gone on before us,
Then we shall know and understand why.

http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Farther_Along/

**

Here's a YouTube video of this song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc6mcKUucaw&search=I%27ll%20Fly%20Away%20brother%20where%20out%20thou
The Peasall Sisters-"Farther Along"

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: astro
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 07:02 PM

That sure is right, LH...I would agree completely with you...

Astro

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 06:56 PM

Well, if you are persecuting someone, then you're wrong, anyway...regardless.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: astro
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 06:25 PM

I always thought, that however much you have or have not faith, there should always be a sense of healthy self-skepticism and humility. Who knows, maybe the person that you are persecuting is right.

Astro....

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: catspaw49
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 05:39 PM

I've always loved that old time Christmas song telling the tale of Joseph and Mary hurrying to Nazareth to give birth to her baby. "Joseph Beat Mary's Ass"......Lovely.....Beautiful tune and inspiring words by the Marquis de Sade......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 05:30 PM

Yes, and it all depends on what you mean by "God" too. Often when people say they can't relate to God, what they really mean is that they can't relate to a certain concept of God, which is, of course, the first concept that first pops into their mind when they hear the word "God".

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: astro
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 04:16 PM

I always enjoyed "A Mighty Fortress is Our God", words and music by Martin Luther....

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God's own choosing:
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him Who with us sideth:
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill: God's truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Alternate translation:

A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon;
He helps us free from every need that hath us now overtaken.
The old evil foe now means deadly woe; deep guile and great might
Are his dread arms in fight; on Earth is not his equal.

With might of ours can naught be done, soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the Valiant One, whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, who is this? Jesus Christ it is.
Of Sabbath Lord, and there's none other God;
He holds the field forever.

Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill, they shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none, he's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.

The Word they still shall let remain nor any thanks have for it;
He's by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit.
And take they our life, goods, fame, child and wife,
Let these all be gone, they yet have nothing won;
The Kingdom ours remaineth.



I have heard congregations reach to a mighty level in their singing when singing this hymn...to the point that the organist stopped and just listened...

Astro...in LA, city of the fallen angels.

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: GUEST,Slag
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 02:04 PM

re theleveller's question:

There's lots of discussion about God, religion and the like in the lower section. But you raise a good point: What does it mean to be religious? Perhaps, at its most basic level, it means the recognition of things greater, higher than we. Whether it is awe of the universe or the recognition of its creator or the phenomenon of being, it's that thing which separates us from all other living entities (Chongo, Chimps and Bonobos excepted).

Subject: RE: Religious Songs That Speak To You
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Oct 07 - 12:30 PM

Some of the most familiar of the old gospel songs remain among my favorites: "This Little Light," "Jesus Is On the Mainline," "Down By the Riverside," "Glory Halleluiah / When I Lay My Burden Down" . . . I never get tired of hearing and singing them.

Then there are the slow-moving lyrical pieces better suited for solo performance (and for listening) than for group participation: "Precious Lord Take My Hand" and "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" are great ones.

I have a special place in my heart for Sam Cooke's "Touch the Hem of His Garment" because I had the rare experience, as a young child, of hearing Sam himself, with the Soul Stirrers, leading the congregation of a neighboring church through an incredibly stirring rendition. I won't quote the lyrics here, because for me the song was never about a verbal message but was rather an incredibly inspired exercise in group vocalization, completely transcending any merely literal message.