Biblical Place Names Songs

Subject: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 08:38 AM

Which song titles or lyrics within songs can you think of that include at least one Biblical place name?

In this category thread, eligible songs titles & lyrics are those songs from any genre that include the names of towns, nations, rivers, mountains, or any other place name. The same place name can be listed multiple times within this thread for different songs.

I'll start the ball rolling with the name & lyrics to a song that is the focus of a current Mudcat thread. I'll also post the name & lyrics to a song that includes the same Biblical place. That second song was the focus of a much older but recently refreshed Mudcat thread.

Please join me in listing the titles of songs with Biblical place name/s. If not already posted, you might also want to include the lyrics to your featured song/s, as well as any Youtube videos, sound clips, links to related Mudcat threads, and/or information/comments about the song/s.

Thanks, in advance, for posting to this thread!

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 09:01 AM

Run, Come See Jerusalem
[a calypso song that was composed by Blind Blake Higgs (Blake Alphonso Higgs) c. 1940s]

**

I've taken the liberty of reposting rich r's post from this Mudcat thread:
thread.cfm?threadid=67533#1128870 History of 'Run, Come See Jeruselem

Subject: Lyr Add: RUN, COME, SEE JERUSALEM (Blind Blake)
From: rich r - PM
Date: 26 Sep 97 - 11:31 PM

Run Come See is also in "The Collected Reprints from Singout! Vol. 1-6" and in "Travelin' On With The Weavers". The versions are different enough that I will include both. Pete Seeger thinks the song may be a parody of an older folk song that was written at the time of the described shipwreck. I will put the "Run come see's" in the first verse only.
RUN, COME, SEE JERUSALEM (Singout! version)
By Blind Blake

It was nineteen-hundred and twenty-nine. (Run come see, run come see.)
Me see, I remember that day pretty well.
It was in nineteen-hundred and twenty-nine. (Run come see Jerusalem.)

That day, they were talking about a storm in the islands.
My God, what a beautiful morning!
They were talking about a storm in the islands.

That day, there were three ships a-leaving out the harbor,
The Ethel and the Myrtle and the Pretoria.
There were three ships a-leaving out the harbor.

These ships were bound for a neighboring island,
With mothers and children on board.
These ships were bound for a neighboring island.

The Pretoria was out on the ocean,
Rocking from side to side.
The Pretoria was out on the ocean.

Right then, it was a big sea built up in the northwest.
They were out on the perilous ocean.
Then it was a big sea built up in the northwest.

My God, when the first wave hit the Pretoria,
The mothers come a-holding onto the children.
My God, when the first wave hit the Pretoria.

My God, there were thirty-three souls on the water,
Swimming and praying to the good Lord God.
There were thirty-three souls on the water.

My God, now George Brown he was the captain.
He shouted, "My children, come pray."
My God, now George Brown he was the captain.

He said, "Come now, witness your judgment."
He shouted, "My children, come pray."
He said, "Come now, witness your judgment."

(Weaver's Songbook version)

It was nineteen-hundred and twenty-nine.
I remember that day pretty well.
Nineteen-hundred and twenty-nine.

My God, they were talkin' 'bout a storm in the island.
My God, what a beautiful morning!
They were talkin' 'bout a storm in the island.

My God, there were three sails leaving from the harbor,
With the mothers and children on board.
They were bound for the island of Andros.

My God, they were the Ethel and the Myrtle and the Pretoria,
And the Myrtle was bound for French Creek.
The Ethel was bound for Spanish Creek.

My God, the Pretoria was alone on the ocean,
Dashing from side to side in the waves.
The Pretoria was alone on the ocean.

My God, then a big sea built up on the starboard.
My God, what wind and waves!
Well, a big sea built up on the starboard.

My God, then the first sea hit the Pretoria,
And the children came a-grabbing for their mothers.
The first sea hit the Pretoria.

My God, well, it sent her head down to the bottom,
And the captain came a-running for the tiller.
It sent her head down to the bottom.

My God, there were thirty-three souls on the water,
Swimming and praying to their Daniel, God.
Thirty-three souls on the water.

My God, now George Brown he was the captain.
My God, he shouts, "Now children, come pray.
Come and witness your judgment."

rich r

-snip-

Thanks rich r! Thanks also to Guest robert for starting a thread on December 28, 2007 about the origins of that song
thread.cfm?threadid=107301&messages=7

Here is a sound clip of "Run, Come See Jerusalem" that I posted in Guest robert's thread:

http://www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/trackdetail.aspx?itemid=8480

Music of the Bahamas, Vol. 2: Anthems, Work Songs and Ballads
Various Artists

Pytoria (Run, Come See Jerusalem)   
John Roberts, H. Brown, and Charles Wallace
Duration: 4:52

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 09:07 AM

Unfortunately, I did not know the song "Run, Come See Jerusalem" before reading about it in those Mudcat threads.

However, reading about "Run, Come See Jerusalem, made me think about this song that I recall learning when I was a child attending Union Baptist Temple church in Atlantic City, New Jersey:

The Holy City
[Music by Mi­chael May­brick
Original lyrics by Frederick E. Weatherly - 1892]

Last night I lay a-sleeping, there came a dream so fair,
I stood in old Jerusalem beside the temple there.
I heard the children singing and ever as they sang,
Me thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang.
Me thought the voice of angels from heaven in answer rang.

Refrain
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!
And then me thought my dream was changed, the streets no longer rang,
Hushed were the glad Hosannas the little children sang.
The sun grew dark with mystery, the morn was cold and chill,
As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.
As the shadow of a cross arose upon a lonely hill.

Refrain
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!
And once again the scene was changed; new earth there seemed to be;
I saw the Holy City beside the tideless sea;
The light of God was on its streets, the gates were open wide,
And all who would might enter and no one was denied.
No need of moon or stars by night, or sun to shine by day;
It was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away.
It was the new Jerusalem that would not pass away.

Refrain
Jerusalem! Jerusalem!
Lift up your gates and sing,
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!
Hosanna in the highest!
Hosanna to your King!

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 09:16 AM

Here's two YouTube videos for the song "The Holy City":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dif2lKHOIQA
The Holy City
Performed in Vancouver, BC Canada in
April 2001

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXT2wkKosMI
Jerusalem, the Holy City
"My video recording of the Beirut Orpheus Choir singing this hymn at the beginning of the 1980(?) Christmas Concert at Beirut University College (BUC). The director was Alvarez Afif Boulous. The soloist is Rajae (Rajaa2e) Khoury"

**

I originally posted these links to those videos on the December 2007 Run, Come See Jerusalem thread.

**

Thanks to Q for posting the link to this Mudcat thread within that aforementioned thread:

thread.cfm?threadid=7870
The Holy City

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 10:02 AM

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.
Joshua fought the battle of Jericho.
When mothers of Salem.
Jerusalem (And did those feet?)

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: topical tom
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:05 AM

Walking in Jerusalem Just Like John:

   
John said the city was just foursquare
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
And he declared he'd meet me there
Walk in Jerusalem just like John

Refrain:
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
I wanna be ready
To walk in Jerusalem just like John


Oh John oh John oh didn't you say
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
You'd be there on that great day
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Some came crippled and some came lame
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Some came walking in Jesus' name
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Now brother, better mind how you step on the cross
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
Your feet might slip and your soul get lost
Walk in Jerusalem just like John
(repeat Refrain)

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:18 AM

Here's a gospel song that I remember from my childhood/teen years, though I'm not sure of the title. I think it's called "High Up In Jerusalem"

High Up In Jerusalem

I'm gonna
walk
in Jerusalem
Talk.
in Jerusalem
Sing.
Shout.
High up
in Jerusalem.
when I die.

Oh yes, I'll be
see.
say.
pray.
High up
in Jerusalem
when I die.

-snip-

That's all I remember. This song is sung in unison in a moderately fast tempon, and isn't a call & response song. I wrote the lyrics that way to give a sense of how the words are phrased.
The words "High up" are emphasized.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:27 AM

Wow! I found very similar words to the version I remember by googling "High Up In Jerusalem":

Walk In Jerusalem

Mahalia Jackson lyrics} *
Way up, way up
Way up, way up
High up in Jerusalem
When I die
(rpt again)

Go knows I'm gonna
Walk in Jerusalem
Talk in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Be in Jerusalem
High up in Jerusalem whe I die

Oh, be in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Shout in Jerusalem
Pray in Jerusalem
High up in Jerusalem when I die.

Hmm, when I get down to the river
I'm gonna stick my sword in the sand
For I spy the ol' ship of Zion
Who took a-many to the Promised Land
Way over in Buelah
Where there ain't no dying there
Where the saints shoutin' victory
Oh, they singin', Lord, everywhere
Way over in Buelah
I hear the voice of friends I've known
They been gone on, gone on to Glory
Well, well a long time ago
They been waitin'
They been watchin'
They been waitin' at the beautiful gates
And one day I'm gonna meet them
Oh, I'm gonna sing forever more
Way over in Buelah
I see the Captain beckoned to me
Well, he's callin' all God's chirrun'
Oh, to meet him on the Promised Land.

God knows I'm gonna
Walk in Jerusalem
Talk in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Be in Jerusalem
High up, oh, in Jerusalem
When I die, Oh yeah

Well, be in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
Shout in Jerusalem
Sing in Jerusalem
High up, oh, in Jerusalem
When I die.

-snip-

http://www.lyricsmode.com/lyrics/m/mahalia_jackson/walk_in_jerusalem.html

* I'm pretty sure Mahalia Jackson was the vocalist and not this song's composer}

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:55 AM

There are a number of YouTube videos of Walk In Jerusalem {Just Like John}. These videos categorize that song as a spiritual and not a gospel song. Here's the YouTube version of that song that I prefer though it has no visuals:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMZJerlaD-w
Walk In Jerusalem [Minnesota] Men's All State 2006

-snip-

I like this version better than the other examples I found on YouTube because, in my opinion, the other versions available were too exact in their diction & phrasing, and therefore didn't have as much of the soulful spirit that I believe should be the way this African American song should be sung. Although I don't think that the Minnesota choir's version really reached that African American soulful spirit either, I think that they did much better than the other YouTube versions of that song that I found.

Having said this, I absolutely don't mean that I think that African American spirituals should be sung in 19th century fake African American slave dialect. There's a huge difference between singing songs with soul and singing songs in fake, exaggerated Black dialect.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:59 AM

There is a Balm in Gilead (posted elsewhere)

~S~

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:03 PM

Unfortunately, I can't find a sound clip or video of
"High Up In Jerusalem".

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:17 PM

Susan, "There Is A Balm In Gilead" is a great addition to this thread.

The reason why I like adding lyrics and sound clips/videos is because there are often several songs with the same title or similar titles and the sound clips/videos enable folks to hear the songs.

For instance, "There Is A Balm In Gilead" is the title of an African American spiritual and it's part of the title of a contemporary gospel by the well known Clark Sisters.


Here's a short video of that traditional African American spiritual:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGcREsQqCag&feature=related
Harvard's Kuumba Singers, Black Alumni Weekend, 10/1/06

**

And here's a video of the contemporary gospel song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rrhZ2e45XY&feature=related
Balm In Gilead- Karen Clark Sheard

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:21 PM

Georgiansilver & topical tom, thanks also for your examples of Biblical place names.

Georgiansilver, I'm not familiar with the songs "When mothers of Salem" and "Jerusalem (And did those feet?)". Could you please post the lyrics, or links to those songs?

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 12:29 PM

Here's the lyrics to the African American spiritual "There Is A Balm In Gilead":

There Is a Balm in Gilead

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin sick soul

Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again.

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole
There is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin sick soul.

If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and how He died for all.

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole.
There is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin sick soul.

-snip-

Here's the lyrics to the Clark Sister's song "Balm In Gilead":

Balm In Gilead
{as sung by Karen Clark-Sheard}

Verse 1
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead

(choir)
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead
There is a balm in Gilead

Bridge
(Karen)
Oh, oh, oh there is a balm in Gilead
(choir)
There is a balm
There is a balm
There is a balm
There is a balm

Verse 2
Oh, medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away

(choir)
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away
Medicine used in the Bible days
To HEAL the sick and take the pain away

Bridge (repeat and modulate)

There is a balm


http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Balm-In-Gilead-lyrics-Karen-Clark-Sheard/42DD22244BC7D1D848256EA3000669D9

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: bubblyrat
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 01:00 PM

There"s the song " There were three Jews from Jerusalem " ( very rude, lyrics un-printable, but a great favourite in British Navy ! ).
Also, Ricky Skaggs does a nice number about the " River of Jordan."
( I guess you could count Jordan as a place name ? ).

                            Marl O'Bottom ..

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 01:55 PM

Azizi...these lyrics may be found online but here they are.
Best wishes, Mike.


Jerusalem
(aka And Did Those Feet In Ancient Times)
Words by William Blake (1757-1827)


This hymn is about celebration and praise, making it suitable as the first hymn sung at the beginning of the service, which is in praise of God in whose presence everyone has assembled.


And did those feet in ancient time
Walk upon England's mountain green?
And was the holy Lamb of God
On England's pleasant pastures seen?
And did the countenance divine
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here
Among those dark satanic mills?

Bring me my bow of burning gold!
Bring me my arrows of desire!
Bring me my spear! O clouds, unfold!
Bring me my chariot of fire!
I will not cease from mental fight,
Nor shall my sword sleep in my hand,
Till we have built Jerusalem
In England's green and pleasant land.


Jerusalem was my school hymn......
My grandmother used to be always singing the next one.


When mothers of Salem
Their children brought to Jesus,
The stern disciples drove them back
And bade them depart:But Jesus saw
them ere they fled,
And sweetly smiled, and kindly said,
"Suffer little children to come unto Me."

"For I will receive them,
And fold them in My bosom;
I'll be a Shepherd to those lambs,
O drive them not away!
For if their hearts to Me they give,
They shall with Me in glory live:
Suffer little children to come unto me."

How kind our Saviour
To bid those children welcome!
But there are many thousands who
Have never heard His name;
The Bible they have never read;
They know not that the Saviour said:
"Suffer little children to come unto me."

O soon may the heathen
Of every tribe and nation
Fulfil Thy blessed word, and cast
Their idols all away;
O shine upon them from above,
And show Thyself the God of love;
Teach the little children
To come unto Thee.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 02:08 PM

Thanks for posting those lyrics, Mike.

**

bubblyrat, yes, I consider the Jordan river a place name.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 03:24 PM

By the Rivers of Babylon,
Where we sat down. (Boney M in the 1970's)

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: greg stephens
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 03:54 PM

Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: greg stephens
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 03:58 PM

Roll Jordan Roll, Swing low sweet chariot(mewntions Jordan), O Little town of Bethlehem,Go Down Moses(mentions Egypt),While Spepherds Watched,You Shepherds Arise,
actually, there seem to be rather a lot!

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 04:08 PM

Are you looking for songs that refer to the actual site, or are namesake locations permitted, such as Shiloh, "The Hills of Shiloh?"

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Kent Davis
Date: 29 Dec 07 - 11:43 PM

Here are some which haven't yet been mentioned.

Canaan is the name of the land God promised to Abraham. The song below does not refer to literal Canaan (i.e., Israel and the Palestinian territories), but rather to the "promised land" of Heaven.
"To Canaan's Land I'm on my Way" (William M. Golden, 1914)

The Eastern border of Canaan consists mostly of the Jordan River.
Crossing Jordan is, metaphorically, dying and entering Paradise.
"On Jordan's Stormy Banks" (Samuel Stennett, 1787)

Unlike Canaan and Jordan in the songs above, the place names below are to be taken literally. Jesus was executed on Golgotha (Skull Hill). The Latinate form of this place name is Calvary (English skull = Latin calvarium)
"A Hill Called Mount Calvary" (Oldham, Gaither, and Gaither, 1968)
"At Calvary" (William R. Newell, 1895)
"Lead Me to Calvary" (Jennie E. Hussey, 1921)

Shortly before his arrest, Jesus had been praying in Gethsemane.
"In Gethsemane Alone" (Samuel E. Reed, 1912)

The song below refers to the same location. The garden of Gethsemane is on the Mount of Olives.
"'Tis Midnight, and on Olive's Brow" (William B. Tappan, 1822)

Zion refers to Jerusalem, specifically the most ancient part, the old "city of David", south of what is now called the "Old City" and west of the Mount of Olives. We are back to metaphor, with Zion standing for Heaven.
"On Zion's Glorious Summit" (John Kent, 1803)
"Zion's Call" (J. R. Baxter, Jr., 1944)

In Ohio and West Virginia, these songs are frequently sung in the churches of Christ.
Kent

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: The Walrus
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 05:41 AM

"Babylon is Fallen"
"Adam in the Garden A-Hiding" (in the Garden of Eden)
"There is a Green Hill Far Away" (indicates, but doesn't name Galgotha)
"Gethsemene" (Kipling poem/epitaph)

Any of these count?

W

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 07:38 AM

"Go to Dark Gethsemane"

~S~

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 07:40 AM

"Beaulah Land" and "Sweet Beauhlah Land" (two different songs I believe)

I'll have to check my hard disk. I have thousands of gospel songs of all sub-genres on the damn thing.

~S~

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 07:50 AM

I'm pasting from filenames, so forgive the caps. These are from my Advent/Christmas folder.

BABE OF BETHLEHEM (DT)
BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
Beautiful Star of Bethlehem (Max Hunter Collection)
Father Won't You Go To Glory With Me (Max Hunter coll)-- one of a million with "Glory" or "Heaven" as a place name :~)
I'll Be Waiting On The Far Side Banks Of Jordan
The Master has Come Over Jordan
On Jordan's Stormy Banks I Stand
On My Way To Canaan
PREPARE THY WAY O ZION
Star of Bethlehem
You Better Run to the City of Refuge lomax (Lomax collection LOC)(not a specidfic city, but any city so designated where a person could take sanctuary from family/clan retribution if they'd killed someone)

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 08:34 AM

John on the Sunset Coast, in response to your question about what kind of songs I'm hoping would be posted to this thread-and also Walrus who asked if the songs you posted count-I'm looking for songs that refer to an actual geographical site, as well as songs that refer to symbolical locations. In other words, I'm interested in whichever songs folks believe fit this thread.

Thanks, to all who have posted to this thread so far!

Special thanks to Kent Davis for your 29 Dec 07 - 11:43 PM post.
I appreciate the information that you included about the significances of the geographical locations referenced in the songs you listed. Fwiw, the only song in your list that I think that I know is "Lead Me To Calvary", that is if that song has the chorus:

Less I forget Gethsemane.
Less I forget Thy agony.
Less I forget Thy love for me
Lead me to Calvary.

-snip-

Also, Kent, you wrote "In Ohio and West Virginia, these songs are frequently sung in the churches of Christ". I'm curious, does "the churches of Christ" refer to a particular Christian denomination? And, if so, is that denomination the same as or related to the Church of God In Christ {COGIC} denomination?

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 08:40 AM

SATURDAY MUSIC 2004\LYRICS

Crossing Jordan
Family Who Lived in Bethany
Far Side Bank of Jordan
Let's Go Down to Jordan
Over Jordan
Way Over in the Promised Land (refers to Canaan as a reference to Heaven)
At Calvary
Battle of Armageddon
BEAUTIFUL HILLS OF GALILEE
Camping in Canaan's Land
CHILDREN OF ZION
(CHRIST WAS A TRAVELER) :~)
CLIMBING UP THE HILL O' MOUNT ZION
Climbing Up The Mountain
CLIMBING ZION'S HILL
CROSSED OLD JORDAN'S STREAM (DT)
DON'T YOU HEAR JERUSALEM MOAN (DT)
Down to the River of Jordan
DWELLING IN BEULAH LAND (DT)
Far Side Bank Of Jordan
From Jerusalem to Jericho
Have a Father in th Promised Land (Max Hunter) refer to Canaan, as a ref to Heaven
I WANT TO MOAN RIGHT ON THAT SHORE (Lomax, LOC) (Jordan, probably, again as a reference to heaven, or freedom)
I WON'T HAVE TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE
I'll be waiting on the far side banks of Jordan
I'm on my way to Canaan's land
IT'S COOL DOWN HERE AT THE RIVER JORDAN (Lomax, LOC)
Jesus walking on the water (Sea of Galilee)
Jordan Am (Is) A Hard Road To Travel
MAN OF GALILEE
On The Jericho Road
On The Sea Of Galilee
Other Side of Jordan
Rose of Sharon
Seven Hillsides (the ones that surround the city-- well-known hills)
WATERS OF BABYLON (DT)
Zion's Hill
Camping In Canaan's Land
CLIMBING ZION'S HILL
BURDENS ARE LIFTED AT CALVARY
DANCE THE SHORES OF JORDAN
I REMEMBER DARK CALVARY
I WON'T HAVE TO CROSS JORDAN ALONE
(I'M USING MY BIBLE FOR A ROAD MAP) :~)
JOSHUA FOUGHT THE BATTLE OF JERICHO
OLD SHIP OF ZION
SHORES OF JORDAN


=====

RANT ON

This is madness. That's just ONE folder-- the first one I came to on the HD (I used software to list filenames for me, from which I pasted.) It's not even one of my bigger folders! Many of them, I will never sing; they're just sitting here as song titles.

My ankles are too swollen now to walk; my healing knee if frozen in place. I hear each tune in my head as I see the titles and now they are all playing at once in my head, and will be all day.... I already spent hours finding them all, to begin with.

If anyone wants ONE OR TWO of these, they can ask me to post them, or they can do their own work! :~) The usual Mudcat or Googfle search should lead to them, nowadays, a ot easier that they did when I found 'em.

Why are we doing this, again?

RANT OFF-- and REMEMBER, NO REPLY IS NEEDED TO rants! :~)

~Susan

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 08:54 AM

Somewhat off topic, but perhaps of interest to those reading this thread:

Here's a list that I compiled some years ago of some commonly used names of African American Baptist churches.*

Bethel
Calvary
Mt. Zion
Shiloh
Union
Mt Ararat
First or Second {used before another name in this list of used alone}

-snip-

* These names are presented in no particular order. I compiled this list from my memories of church names in various cities where I had lived or visited, and from my reading. By no means is it meant to be scientific or comprehensive.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 09:07 AM

Here's some information about the significance of two Biblical place names*

Shiloh:
"The Biblical Period
The site of ancient Shiloh, a city in the Ephraim hill-country and the religious capital of Israel in the time of the Judges, is situated north of Beth-El, east of the Beth El-Shechem highway and south of Lebonah in the hill-country of Ephraim (Judg. 21:19). It has been identified with Khirbet Seilun by E. Robinson in 1838.

Shiloh is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as an assembly place for the people of Israel where there was a sanctuary containing the Ark of the Covenant until it was taken by the Philistines from the battlefield at Aphek (probably Antipatris).

At Shiloh, the "whole congregation of Israel assembled...and set up the tabernacle of the congregation...", (Joshua 18:1) being the tent built under Moses' direction to house the ark"...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiloh_(Biblical)

**

Mt Ararat:

"Mount Ararat is located in Eastern Turkey on the borders of Iran, Armenia (formerly U.S.S.R.), and Nakchivan. This volcanic mountain rises 5,165 meters or 16,945 feet high, far above the plains that are at 2,000-3,000 feet high, and is the highest location in the ancient kingdom of Urartu, a region which covered thousands of square miles with hundreds of mountains. Ararat is the newer Armenian name of Urartu from the Hebrew Torah written by Moses (c. 1406-1446 BC) which only included the consonants "rrt". However, the translators of the Bible replaced the "rrt" with the later name, "Ararat" or "Armenia." The Assyrians wrote about battles against the Urartian tribes from the thirteenth century BC until the sixth century BC when Urartu was destroyed by the Medes. The name Urartu then vanished from history (until archaeologists re-discovered it in the 1800s) and was replaced by Ararat and Armenia in the vicinity as well as in English Bible translations, maps, etc. As history went on in the first and second millenia AD, the mountain became known as Ararat and the region as Armenia. Many people believe that Mount Ararat is the place where Noah's Ark landed but the Bible does not state this. It simply says that the boat landed in the Urartian mountains, of which there are hundreds, although Ararat is the highest and is the only one with a permanent ice cap, which is around 17 square miles in size. Since Mount Ararat is the highest location in Urartu, some people throughout history have jumped to the unproven conclusion that it was the landing place and promoted that concept as a regional tradition".

http://noahsarksearch.com/ararat.htm


-snip-

Note: I added the italics to the last article for emphasis. I looked up information about these place names because I realized that I didn't know why these place names are so commonly used as the names of churches.

I should also note that the church names listed in my previous post are also used by other congregations besides African American Baptist churches.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 09:14 AM

"Bethany" and Mt Olivet are two other names that I forgot to post which appears to me to be commonly used by African American congregations.

This excerpt from provides information about the significance of both "Bethany" and "Mt Olivet":

Bethany is a village on the Mount of Olives, less than 2 miles east of Jerusalem. It was the home of sisters Mary and Martha, and Lazarus, who was raised from the dead by Jesus.

It was also in Bethany that a woman poured a bottle of expensive perfume over Jesus' head while he was dining in the home of Simon the leper.

Jesus lodged in Bethany during his final days in Jerusalem, and the Palm Sunday procession started out from there. After Jesus had risen, he appeared to his followers (Luke 24:36), he then led them on the road to Bethany.

http://www.aboutbibleprophecy.com/s8.htm

Here's more information about "Mt. Olivet":

Mount Olivet
(Latin, Mons Olivertus.)

"Occurring also in the English Bibles as the Mount of Olives (Mons Olivarum), is the name applied to "the hill that is over against Jerusalem" (1 Kings 11:7), that is, "on the east side of the city" (Ezekiel 11:23), beyond the torrent Cedron (2 Samuel 15:23, 30), "a sabbath day's journey" from the city (Acts 1:12). The passages of the books of the Kings show the high antiquity of the name, undoubtedly suggested by the groves of olive trees which flourished there, traces of which still remain"...

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11244b.htm

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 09:35 AM

Susan, I just read your rant. First let me say that I-and I'm sure others-send you positive vibrations regarding your health.

Here's my response to your question "Why are we doing this, again?" {I emphasized the word "my" since others may have other responses to your question}

I start what I call "category threads" because it satisfies the Virgo part of my nature to list things. It also satisfies the Gemini part of my nature to learn about various things. I enjoy starting and posting to these threads, and I usually find them to be interesting reading.

I like to test myself and see what songs I can list within a particular category from memory. I also like to find out what songs other folks know within that category. In my opinion, category threads provide opportunities to learn new songs and learn information about songs that you know or didn't know before. I'm particularly interested in learning about songs within a particular category that I don't know and I think other folks might also be interested in learning adding more songs to their knowledge base.

Furthermore, I think that listing songs in Mudcat threads by category makes those songs more accessible to folks {including me}, particularly when the lyrics, and a video clip, or a sound clip are provided.

I'm not particularly interested in learning the songs themselves. I'm more interested in learning about the songs from an admittedly unscientic folkloric standpoint-which populations know which songs; how are the songs sung within specific populations {tunes, lyrics}, and what does a specific song mean to the person who posted it.

With regard to the last part of my last sentence, although it doesn't happen that often, I like it when people add personal information about these songs {how/when/where they learned them. That helps me get to know the poster better. This fits into my preference to see Mudcat threads as conversations and not just as ways of presenting information.

As I mentioned, these are my reasons for starting this category thread and others. Other folks may share these reasons or have other reasons for starting such threads or posting to them.

Whatever the reasons, I again thank you Susan and I thank others for posting to this thread.

Best wishes,

Azizi

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 11:30 AM

Thanks; as I indicated, a rant needs no response-- it's just venting.

But since you replied to it--

If you consider that I have a dozen or more folders more full than the ones I plumbed with the above results, perhaps you will understand why I prefer to discuss specific songs in the threads where there is already existing discussion.... it's just too unwieldy for me to approach the songs by category. At least one fulltime staff person would be needed to research your topic.

While I was plumbing, for example, I saw several OTHER possible categories that, if we were to run threads on those categories, would take more chair time than I am able to give to go back over the very same ground.

So for some of us, the category approach doesn't make sense, yet we may be just the people who have a lot to contribute beyond the handful of songs known to a large number of people that have become the limited set of folksongs people think of in the folk idiom.... sadly, we lose touch that way with the artists over time who have bled to give us that very body of work.

You will see how time-consuming it can be if you look now, song by song using the "few" titles I supplied, for sound clips and videos. Some of those very same song clips may be in exisiting threads, if it was a song we worked up in our band; for awhile I posted all the "perfomable" stuff I came across, with links to clips LBYT (in Life Before YouTube). I don't need the clips, although it would be interesting to see and hear others' approaches to the songgs. In most cases, if I have a text file, I already ALSO have a sound clip or full-length MP3 on file as well.

I try to contribute within the prevailing organizational approach to informational resources here, because those informational structures make what I can contribute actually feasible. I'm not alone in that preference; like many Mudcatters, I've emailed clips for individual songs to answer a request when a thread requesting a specific song comes up for view.


It would have been quicker, if I wanted to spend the time, to start with a list of place names and do a computer search to see what songs I had for those names. But that still would be beyond the chair time I can give.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 11:47 AM

...for some of us, the category approach doesn't make sense
-Susan

Susan, I know that I didn't have to respond, but I did so because I wanted to. As to your comments about the category approach not making sense, that's what makes the world-and Mudcat-so interesting. There are different types of personalities and different ways that different people approach life. Each way is valid, as far as I'm concerned.

As to your comments about research, again, I don't start these kinds of threads for research purposes, though admittedly, category threads may be helpful for some researchers, and threads which feature specific songs may be more helpful for other researchers.

Every person has to decide for herself or himself whether she or he wants to be bothered reading or posting to any Mudcat thread, and how much time she or he wants to spend posting to a specific thread.

I've chosen to spend some time responding to your comments because I believe that those comments merit responses. However, my remainding posts to this thread will focus on Biblical place name songs that I want to share, as well as information, video clips, and/or sound clips of those songs.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 12:23 PM

Behold That Star

An Original Jubilee Carol by Thomas Washington Talley,
Date: First Half of 20th Century

Lyrics:

Refrain:
Behold that star!
Behold that star up yonder,
Behold that star!
It is the star of Bethlehem.

1. There was no room found in the inn.
It is the star of Bethlehem.
For Him who was born free from sin.
(It is the star of Bethlehem.

Refrain

2. The wise men travelled from the East.
It is the star of Bethlehem.
To worship Him, the Prince of Peace.
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Refrain

3. A song broke forth upon the night.
It is the star of Bethlehem.
From angel hosts all robed in white.
It is the star of Bethlehem.

Refrain

http://www.biblicalproportions.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=4525
-snip-


Here's an excerpt from an essay about this song, and its composer:

"The work of collecting, harmonizing, and interpreting the spirituals, originally done by northern white men, was gradually taken over by the Fisk students, alumni, and faculty. Authentic dialect was introduced; new songs were discovered and added to the repertoire, among them the present favorites, "Little David, Play on Your Harp", "Witness," "All God's Chillun Got Wings." John W. Work, a member of the University faculty, and his brother Frederick collected spirituals in rural communities, which they published in New Jubilee Songs (1905). Folk Songs of the American Negro (1915), by the same authors, and Thomas W. Talley's Negro Folk Rhymes (1922) also gave this folk music permanent form.

Thomas W. Talley (1870-1952) was recognized during his lifetime primarily as a chemist (he was chairman of the chemistry department from 1902 to 1927), teacher, and administrator at Fisk University. However, he was also Tennessee's first African-American folklorist. A native of Bedford County, he began collecting folk songs about 1900, and published many of them in Negro Folk Rhymes in 1922. The work was republished in 1991, edited by Charles K. Wolfe. One reviewer of the new edition wrote:

Anyone even remotely interested in folklore, folk music, or American history should get this book. It contains over 400 rhymes (some with music) collected in the early 1900s by Thomas W. Talley, a black chemistry professor from Tennessee. Most of the rhymes are American, but there are a few from Africa, Jamaica, and elsewhere.

This alone would be worth the price of admission, but this edition also contains a new essay on the work, plus an updated bibliography and index, plus the original introduction by Thomas W. Talley (an excellent 50-page essay which covers performance practice and even details of instrument construction), plus additional rhymes and music that didn't make it into the original edition.

Great to page idly through or to read cover-to-cover, this book would be a fantastic addition to anyone's collection"...


http://www.hymnsandcarolsofchristmas.com/Hymns_and_Carols/behold_that_star.htm

**

Also, here's a YouTube video of "Behold That Star":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fyB4As8xbc

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Genie
Date: 30 Dec 07 - 10:15 PM

On My Journey Now To Mount Zion

Adam In The Garden Pinning Leaves

In The Garden (clearly refers to Gethsemane without naming it)

"Lest we forget Gethsemane ... Lead Me to Calvary"

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Kent Davis
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 12:48 AM

Azizi,
To answer your questions:
1. Yes, the "Lead Me to Calvary" to which I referred has the chorus,
   "Lest I forget Gethsemane,
    Lest I forget Thine agony;
    Lest I forget Thy love for me,
    Lead me to Calvary."
We often sing this before the Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, the weekly commemoration of Jesus's death. In fact, we did this morning.
2. No, the term "churches of Christ" does not refer to a denomination. It refers to congregations which are not affiliated with any denomination and which use the New Testament as their only "creed". Other Biblical names, such as "church of God" are sometimes used, and it is perfectly proper to do so. However, since many of those other names are being used as names of denominations, I try to avoid confusion by using the term "churches of Christ".
Thanks for an interesting thread idea.
Kent

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 01:39 AM

Genie, I smiled when I read your comment that "In The Garden" clearly refers to Gethsemane without naming it as I always thought "the garden" referred to the Garden Of Eden or some other wonderful garden of my imagination with I can picture still.

**
The words and the midi to "In The Garden" are found at http://synergy_2.tripod.com/lyrics/garden.html

IN THE GARDEN
- Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear, falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of His voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
And the melody that He gave to me
Within my heart is ringing

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

I'd stay in the garden with Him
'Tho the night around me be falling
But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
His voice to me is calling

And He walks with me
And He talks with me
And He tells me I am His own
And the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:

Quote:
"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement.
"Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, 'If Thou has borne Him hence.'
"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her "Mary!"
"Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."

-snip-

Clearly, that description isn't the Garden Of Eden. But I still like the picture of the peaceful, beautiful garden that I imagined. :o)

**

I'm sure that the song "Adam In The Garden Pinning Leaves" really does refer to the Garden of Eden. That's a great choice of a song for this thread!

I've read that this song is of African American origin. Its repeated refrain of "Adam in the garden pinning leaves", its other lyrics, and the openended structure which allows for other possible lyrics seem to confirm that African American {or at least North American/African descent} origin.

For what it's worth, I've never heard this song performed, not even in records. Here's the words to that song that I found at http://www.metrolyrics.com/adam-in-the-garden-pinning-leaves-lyrics-unknown-artist.html


ADAM IN THE GARDEN PINNING LEAVES
{unknown artist}

cho: Oh Eve, where's Adam? (3x)
Adam in the garden pinning leaves.
Well, I know my God is a man of war,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves.
He fought the battle at the Jericho wall,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves.
Well, the first time God called, Adam refused to answer,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves,
Well, the first time God called, Adam refused to answer,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves,
The next time God called, God hollered louder,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves,
The next time God called, God hollered louder,
Adam in the garden pinning leaves.

-snip-

I believe I've read other lyrics for this song, but I can't remember where I read it, or what the words were, except that that version started with "Oh Eve, where is Adam" and had the refrain "Adam's in the Garden picking leaves"- at least I thought it was "picking" instead of "pinning".

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 01:46 AM

Kent, thanks for that information. I also think that this is an interesting thread idea, and I give thanks to the spirit who caused me to think of it.

With regard to your comment that "We often sing this before the Communion, also known as the Lord's Supper, the weekly commemoration of Jesus's death.", my African American Baptist church also has a long tradition of singing "Lead Me to Calvary" before Communion, and I can't remember that song being sung at any other time.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 01:50 AM

Correction- ..."as I always thought "the garden" referred to the Garden Of Eden or some other wonderful garden of my imagination which I can picture still".

:o}

And a peace full, soothing, healing picture it is, so I'm gonna keep it.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Kent Davis
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 02:02 AM

Another we often sing is "We're Marching to Zion" (Isaac Watts, 1707).

1.      Come, we that love the Lord,
        and let our joys be known;
        join in a song with sweet accord, (repeat)
        and thus surround the throne, (repeat)
        
Refrain:
        We're marching to Zion,
        beautiful, beautiful Zion;
        we're marching upward to Zion,
        the beautiful city of God.

2.        Let those refuse to sing
        who never knew our God;
        but children of the heavenly King, (repeat)
        may speak their joys abroad. (repeat)
        (Refrain)

3.        The hill of Zion yields
        a thousand sacred sweets
        before we reach the heavenly fields, (repeat)
        or walk the golden streets. (repeat)
        (Refrain)

4.        Then let our songs abound,
        and every tear be dry;
        we're marching through Emmanuel's ground, (repeat)
        to fairer worlds on high. (repeat)
        (Refrain)

Kent

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 02:33 AM

Kent, I also remember the song "Marching To Zion" from my childhood or teen years. It was often sung by the choir {with the congregation joining in} in the beginning of the church service as the choir marched down the center aisle to the choir stand behind the raised area where the minister/s sat.

This summer I attended church service in my home church in Atlantic City, New Jersey and was blessed to hear and observe this song being sung again as a processional. The tune was slightly different, more percussive but not that much more uptempo than before. The refrain was emphazized "We're marching/marching up to Zion/that beautiful city of God/we're marching, marching up to Zion/that beautiful city of God."

I can't remember if there were other words to the song that was sung, If so, it certainly wasn't the entire song as I remembered learning it and hearing it sung before. One reason I can't remember the words of the song was that my focus was on the way the older man led the choir in their processional down the center aisle of the church. The other choir members were in twos, but this man walked in front of the choir by himself. He very much reminded me of a drum major in marching bands, not that he carried a baton or anything. It was just the way he walked, proudly swaying to the music. It was wonderful! I wish I had a video to share which shows this choir processional or any African American choir processional... Perhaps I'll look for one on YouTube, since I'm up because I'm on-call with my job...

On second thought, I'm gonna bid everyone a goodnight-actually, good morning. I'll try to find a processional video tomorrow, though posting a link to it would be off-topic. But, then again, when have I been overly concerned about going off-topic?

LOL!

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: C. Ham
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 10:00 AM

Don't forget two by Bruce Murdoch: Rough Night In Jericho and Plains Of Jericho.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 12:36 PM

Thanks for reminding us of those songs, C. Ham.

"Plains of Jericho" and "Rough Night in Jericho" are included in my list of favorite songs that Bruce composed.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 05:26 PM

"Bethesda's Pool" sung by Aileen and Elkin Thomas. I can't find the lyrics online, but I have the tape. I 'could' transcribe them if no one has them. (takes me forever tho) Cool song.

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Genie
Date: 31 Dec 07 - 08:39 PM

Are there any songs that mention:
Canaan
Mount Sinai
other Biblical mountains -- I know one that has a verse that mentions "Mt. Pisgah"
Shiloh
Damascus
any of the cities to whose churches Paul wrote epistles (e.g. Corinth, Ephesus)
The Mount Of Olives
Samaria
Sodom
Gomorrah
Nazareth
Magdala (home of Mary Magdalene)
Endor
Tarsus?

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 12:34 AM

I posted several and I believe others added some too.

~S~

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Azizi
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 11:39 AM

While looking for Black church processionals, I found this wonderful example of a African American congregation singing a spiritual in the traditional way-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skEzQq2ySRA
Mt. Do Well Baptist Church in McConnells, South Carolina's singing "He Set Me Free"

I'll post the lyrics to this 1991 YouTube video in my next post. Since one of the verses that the congregations sang mentions the Jordan River, this song and video isn't off topic for this thread.

However, I'd like to share these comments before posting the lyrics of this song.

This video makes me think of how African American praise house and camp meetings/revivals were in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Here are the characteristics of that song that reminded me of what I've read about old time African American church services and how songs were sung then:

1. "He Set Me Free" is sung in harmony in a form of call & response pattern. In this case, the lead singer started a verse and the congregation immediately joined in singing the same words so that it appeared that the song was being sung in harmony and in unison.

2. The song used a pattern of singing two lined rhyming verses that was seperated by a repeated chorus, for instance:

Stepped in the water, and the water was cold
Jesus died on the cross
He set me free
It chilled my body, but not my soul
Jesus died on the cross
He set me free

3. The song was made up of floating verses {verses that are often found in other spirituals/gospel songs}. For what it's worth, there was one verse that I had not heard or read before- "Walk on this road 'till my feet get bare/chorus/I'm gonna hitch my wings and try the air/chorus.

4. The song was open ended. There didn't appear to be any set length for the song or any set order of verses. Also, it appeared that any verse that could fit the spirit and the theme of the song could have been sung in addition, or in substitution for the verses that were sung. For instance, I can see adding the verse "Went to the valley but I didn't go to stay/chorus/My soul got happy and I stayed all day/chorus

5. The song started slow, but by the 3rd verse was decidedly more uptempo.

6. This rendition of the song combined the spoken word and singing {In this case, the minister or some other member of the church testified using the words of the song "I just want you to know that Jesus set me free one day"} after the first verse of the song and then song began again.

7. The congregation accompanied the song with foot stomps and single and double time hand clapping

8. The song uses African American Vernacular English structure such as "done been" and elongated interjections such as "Well", "Ahh", and "Oh". The interjections were often used at the beginning of the rhyming lines but not in front of the chorus.

9. Members of the congregation "felt the spirit" {got happy} in their seats. Some men and women stood up and did "a holy dance" in ways that appeared to be real and not for show.

10. The song appeared to have ended, but the handclapping and foot stomping continued and then the chorus was repeatedly sung. At this point, in a church service, someone could have started the song up again. {hence, the openended nature of the song}

**

Unfortunately, I've not experienced many church services like this. Most of the church services like this that I have experienced have been in "santified" churches, such as COGIC {Church of God In Christ} churches. I'm glad I've started the new year with this song.

Happy New Year to all of you, too!

Subject: Lyr: Add: HE SET ME FREE
From: Azizi
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 11:44 AM

HE SET ME FREE

{African American spiritual or gospel song}

Chorus *
Well He set me free. Well He set me free.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

I done been tempted and have been tried.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.
I been to Jordan River and I been baptized.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

Well He set me free Well He set me free.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

Stepped in the water and the water was cold.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.
{Well} It chilled my body But not my soul.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

Chorus *

I'm goin away And I'm goin to stay.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.
I won't be back till Judgment day.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

Chorus *

Walk on this road 'till my feet get bare.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.
I'm gonna hitch my wings and try the air.
Jesus died on the cross Just to set me free.

Chorus
[Repeat multiple times]

* can be repeated two or more times

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Genie
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 05:25 PM

Susan, you and others have mentioned songs that refer to the Mount Of Olives, Canaan (I meant to type "Cana"), and

Mount Sinai
Mt. Pisgah
Shiloh (referring to the Biblical "Shiloh")
Damascus
Samaria
Sodom
Gomorrah
Nazareth
Magdala
Cana
Endor
Tarsus
Sheba
Corinth
Ephesus
Colossia (sp?)


There must be a number of songs that mention Judea.   A beautiful one I know is called
"River In Judea"

Another song that mentions Jerusalem is the song used at the end of Schindler's List:
Jerusalem Of Gold (Yerushalayim Shel Zahav)

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: Kent Davis
Date: 01 Jan 08 - 09:29 PM

Genie,
I don't know of any songs that include Mount Pisgah in the title. There is a tune named "Pisgah" which is used for various sets of lyrics. Of the ones I have seen, none mention Mount Pisgah. I don't know why the tune has that name. "Sweet Hour of Prayer" mentions Mount Pisgah:
"Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
May I thy consolation share;
Till from Mount Pisgah's lofty height,
I view my home, and take my flight..."

The following song, "There Is a Sea" (Lula Klingman Zahn, 1921), describes the Sea of Galilee, the Jordan River, and the Dead Sea. As you may know, the northern part of the Jordan River supplies most of the water that flows into the Sea of Galilee. The southern part of the Jordan River flows out of the Sea of Galilee and down to the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea has no outlet. Thus the Sea of Galilee, which gives away what it receives, is a productive fresh-water lake, but the Dead Sea, which keeps all that it receives, is so salty that no fish can live in it. We occasionally sing this beautiful song based on these facts:

There is a sea which day by day
Receives the rippling rills
And streams that spring from wells of God
Or fall from cedared hills
But what it thus receives it gives
With glad unsparing hand
A stream more wide, with deeper tide
Flows on to lower land.

There is a sea which day by day
Receives a fuller tide
But all its store it keeps, nor gives
To shore nor sea beside
It's Jordan stream, now turned to brine
Lies heavy as molten lead
It's dreadful name doth e'er proclaim
That sea is waste and dead

Which shall it be for you and me
Who God's good gifts obtain?
Shall we accept for self alone
Or take to give again?
For He who once was rich indeed
Laid all His glory down
That by His grace, our ransomed race
Should share His wealth and crown.

Kent

Subject: RE: Biblical Place Names Songs
From: GUEST,Volgadon
Date: 02 Jan 08 - 12:43 PM

The only mount pisgahs are in the United States!! Pisgah in Hebrew means a peak. Well, that's the useless trivia for the day.