Lyr Req/Add: Lead Me to the Rock

Subject: RE: Lyr Req/Add: Lead Me to the Rock
From: cnd
Date: 12 Dec 17 - 08:38 PM

Did we ever decide who officially composed this song? If not, I believe I may have a solution.

In regards to the multiple copyrights belonging to Wally Fowler, and Ray Stevens (et al), I believe the assumption that would make sense is that the song is a "traditional" song in the public domain, and Wally and Ray's versions have some unique aspect that allowed them to put their own copyright on it.

If that's the case (it being a traditional tune, that is), that would explain the multiple copyright claims on one song and why it seems to be so hard to nail it down (as I've found claims for R A Searles & Asa Hull and Lewis Hartsough and the other ones found above)

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: GUEST,"Rock That Is Higher Than I"
Date: 01 May 11 - 04:50 PM

written by Erastus Johnson (google him and this song title)during the financial panic of 1873 in Carlisle PA at a YMCA convention. Set to music at that convention by William Fisher. The original poem is published in his book of poetry titled, "The Old Cobbler and Other Poems" (1907). Erastus is my g-g-grandfather's brother.

First two verses here are his; rest of verses I've seen posted were written by someone else. His original does have 2 additional verses, but are nothing like what I've read here.
Roberta

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: GUEST
Date: 18 Feb 10 - 03:18 PM

L. Thompson
Does anyone know the old lyrics to Lead Me To The Rock that included the verses: There's a rock that higher than the rest. There's a rock that will hide mw when the earth is on fire, and that's the rock for me.

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 26 Apr 09 - 03:14 PM

"Hear my cry, Oh Lord" is reminiscent of the hymn, O God, Regard My Humble Plea. (And others, psalms 61:1 and 61:2 are often referred to.)

First verse:
O God, regard my humble plea:
I cannot be so far from Thee
But Thou wilt hear my cry;
When I by trouble am distressed,
Then lead me on the Rock to rest
That higher is than I.

Words: The Psalter. Music- Meribah, Lowell Mason 1839.

From "The Psalter"
Exaudi, Deus [668]
1
Hear my cry, O God,
and listen to my prayer.
2
I call upon you from the ends of the earth
with heaviness in my heart;
set me upon the rock that is higher than I.
3
For you have been my refuge, etc....

Psalm 61:1- "Hear my cry, O God: listen to my prayer."
Psalm 61:2- "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."

Here is the refrain from one written during the Financial Panic of 1871.
The Rock That Is Higher Than I
Erastus Johnson, music W. G. Fischer

O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I
O then to the Rock let me fly
To the Rock that is higher than I!

From Cyberhymnal.

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Azizi
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 05:47 PM

Looking at that Marvia Providence video of "Hear My Cry Oh Lord" it's easy to see what kind of dances were done to this song in Jamaican nightclubs.

I think that the message of that video is that religious songs sung in the same tempo as secular songs can motivate people who usually don't attend church to do so (especially if accompanied by a relaxed dress code).

While there are certainly COGIC (Church of God in Christ) and some other Black (and non-Black) churches where people do holy dances when they feel the spirit, I don't think that this video is representative of those services and most other Black church services in Jamaica or in the USA.

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Azizi
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 05:30 PM

Here's an uptempo reggae song that may be a version of "Lead Me To The Rock":

Hear My Cry Oh Lord
(composer ?)

Hear my cry O lord
Attend unto my prayer
From the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee
And when my heart is overwhelmed
Lead me to the rock
That is higher that (2)
For thou has been a shelter unto me
A high tower Lord against the enemy

http://www.hymnlyrics.org/lyricsh/hear_my_cry.html

Here is a Yahoo video of this song titled "Hear My Cry Oh Lord" as performed by Marvia Providence:

http://new.music.yahoo.com/videos/--14086808

*Warning-A hip hop video video automatically plays after this video.

**

The words to Providence's version of "Hear My Cry Oh Lord" are almost exactly the same as those given above:

Hear my cry Oh Lord
Attend unto my prayer
From the ends of the earth will I cry unto thee
When my heart is overwhelmed
Lead me to the rock
That is higher than I
That is higher than I

For Thou has been a shelter for me
And a strong tower from the enemy
When my heart is overwhelmed
Lead me to the rock
That is higher than I
That is higher than I


-snip-

Marva Providence style of singing the song includes lining certain verses (singing part of one line and the choir (and sometimes she singing with the choir) finishing that line. Providence also adds some interjections such as the shout that she makes before the song begins. She also adds exclamations to certain lines such as "Jesus" and "Oh Lord".

**
My daughter introduced me to Providence's version of " Hear My Cry Oh Lord" about 4 years ago when she returned from a trip to Jamaica . She has a dancehall reggae CD with this song as well as a remix of this song that is performed by a male singer whose name I don't know.

My daughter said that this song was greeted with a great deal of enthusiasm when it was played at a Jamaican nightclub (frequented by Black people who were mostly in their 20s and 30s).   If I understood her correctly, people danced to this song (meaning, performed secular dances). However, it is probably also sung in churches..

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:55 PM

Lyr. Add: LEAD ME TO THE ROCK
Words S. Turner or Bennett, 1838.
Music by Pocta, Wells and Murphy, 2006

1
Convinced as a sinner, to Jesus I come,
Informed by the gospel, for such there is room;
O'erwhelmed with sorrow, for sin will I cry;
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
2
Blessed be Jesus, for answering prayer,
And raising my soul from the pit of despair;
In ev'ry new trial, for Him will I cry,
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
3
When sorely afflicted, and ready to faint,
Before my Redeemer, I'll spread my complaint;
Midst storms and distresses, my soul shall rely.
On Jesus the Rock that is higher than I.

Sheet music, "Taken from the Gadsby Hymnal # 1104."
www.redmountainchurch.org/rmm/alb/rmmsheetmusic/LeadMeToTheRock_sheet.pdf

?"words by S. Turner or Bennett, 1838"

All of these songs are united by the phrase, "Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I."

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:40 PM

A bare bones version:

Lead me to the rock that is higher than I
Lead me to the Rock
Lead me to the rock
Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
2
Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I
Jesus is the Rock, Jesus is the Rock
Jesus is the rock that is higher than I

www.highpraise.com/lyrics/elder/elder_0131.html

Subject: Lyr. Add: Lead Me to the Rock (Searles, Hull)
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 04:15 PM

Lyr. Add: LEAD ME TO THE ROCK
Words R. A. Searles, Music Asa Hull (1873)

1
When mountains of doubt hem me in on each side,
And waves of affliction roll in like a tide;
When vainly I seek some new pathway to try,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Refrain
Oh, lead me to the Rock,
Oh, lead me to the Rock,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,
Oh, lead me to the Rock,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

2
The sun of prosperity brightly may shine,
And my heart round its treasures too closely may twine,
When my hopes are in danger of rising too high,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I,
3
When nearing the shore of the river of death,
And the moments fly swiftly with each labored breath,
When losing my hold of each earthly tie,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.
4
Whatever my lot, be it wearily sad,
Or actively busy or joyously glad;
In each joy and sorrow, my God, be Thou nigh,
Oh, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

Posted for comparison.

Cyberhymnal:
Lead Me

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Peace
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 03:17 PM

It was a shot in the dark, Joe, because so many THATs were coming up while I was looking for THEs.

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 02:33 PM

Ah, but in this case, Bruce, you're right. I assumed the song was by Hill, since he's a singer-songwriter and all - but this page has a clip of the Wally Fowler song sung at the Grand Ole Opry, and it's the same song - identified by the Harry Fox Agency as "Lead Me To That Rock," written by Wally Fowler and recorded by Hank Williams.

Now, to find the Ray Stevens song....and here (click) - and it's the same darn song!!! And that means that the Harry Fox Agency, Infallible Arbiter of Songwriting Attribution, is fallible!! So, was the song written by Wally Fowler, Ray Stevens, or somebody else? I'm putting my money on Fowler, since I don't think Ray Stevens (born 1939) is old enough to have written a song recorded by Hank Williams, who died in 1953.

-Joe-

---

This youtube video has a great bass, and an interesting tenor...(The Music City Boys)

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Q (Frank Staplin)
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 02:20 PM

"Bill Gaither's Favorite Homecoming Songs and Performances" cd has "Lead Me to that Rock," but the link at allmusic.com does not specify the singing group.
The cd "Close Harmony: A history of Southern Gospel Music," also has "Lead Me to that Rock,: sung by Homeland Harmony Quartet.

The Gaither cd, "Mountain Homecoming," has "Lead Me to the Rock," public domain.

I dunno if this will help the original poster, but these and many others are listed at allmusic.com

There are 61 entries for "Lead Me to the Rock" and 21 for "Lead Me to that Rock" at that site. Are they the same song??

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 02:16 PM

Hi, Bruce-
The Gaither song that was requested is definitely "Lead Me to THE Rock." However, there are several songs with the title "Lead Me to THAT Rock." One was by Ray Stevens, better known for his novelty songs. Another one was written by Wally Fowler and recorded by Hank Williams. I'd like to hear those two. Ray Stevens wrote some rousing gospel songs, and I like everything that I've ever heard sung by Hank Williams.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Peace
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 02:15 PM

But I've been wrong before. (I recall the day, too. Was a Friday in July of '67.)

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Peace
Date: 25 Apr 09 - 01:00 PM

I think the song title is "Lead Me to THAT Rock".

Subject: RE: req/ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 06:09 PM

I think Gene nailed it, as usual. You'll find a YouTube video here (click). It has a great bass part - I love singing gospel bass.

-Joe-

The lyrics from the video are just a bit different from what Gene posted. Still, no songwriter identifification.

LEAD ME TO THE ROCK
Performers: (Choir / Stephen Hill) Mountain homecoming

Chorus:
Why don't you lead me to the rock
That is higher than I
Oh lead me to the rock
Yes lead me to the rock
Why don't you lead me to the rock
That is higher than I
Thou has been a shelter for me

Repeat Chorus:

Well if you go down in yonder fold
And search among his sheep
(My brother thou has been a shelter for me)
You'll find him there with so I am told
With those he loves to keep
(My brother thou has been a shelter for me)

Chorus:
Why don't you lead me to the rock (to the rock)
That is higher than I
Oh lead me to the rock (Oh Jesus lead me)
Yes lead me to the rock
Why don't you lead me to the rock (to the rock)
That is higher than I
Thou has been a shelter for me

And if you go into the wilderness
Where dyin ones are lost
(My brother thou has been a shelter for me)
And you'll find him there to heal and bless
No matter what the cost.
(My brother thou has been a shelter for me)

Why don't you lead me to the rock
That is higher than I (Oh lead me Lord)
Oh lead me to the rock (You know he's gonna lead me)
Yes lead me to the rock
Why don't you lead me to the rock
That is higher than I (Take my hand an lead me Lord)
Thou has been a shelter for me

Why don't you!!! Lead me to the rock (to the rock) that is higher than I
Oh lead me Lord (to the rock) Yes lead me (that is higher than I)
Why don't you lead me (to the rock) that is higher than I Thou has been a shelter for me

Chorus: come on and lead me

Thou has been a shelter for me -- for -- me, Lead me Lord

Subject: ADD: Lead Me to the Rock
From: GUEST,Gene
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 05:54 PM

Googled this version online...

not necessarily the version you requested, but, is a version...


LEAD ME TO THE ROCK
(songwriter unidentified)

Oh sometimes the shadows are deep
And rough seems the path to the goal
And sorrows sometimes how they sweep
Like tempests and over the soul

Oh then to the rock let me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is higher than I (higher than I)
Oh then to the rock let me fly (let me fly)
To the rock that is higher than I

Chorus 1:
Why don't you lead me to the rock that is higher than I?
Oh lead me to the rock, yes lead me to the rock
Why don't you lead me to the rock that is higher than I?
Thou hast been a shelter for me

Well if you go down in yonder fold to search among the sheep
(My brother) Thou hast been a shelter for me
You will find Him there so I am told with those He loves to keep
(My brother) Thou hast been a shelter for me

Chorus 2:
Why don't you lead me to the rock that is higher than I? (Savior lead me to the rock that is higher than I) (Lead me Lord)
Why don't you lead me to the rock that is higher than I? (Savior lead me to the rock that is higher than I) (Lead me to the rock)
Why don't you lead me to the rock that is higher than I? (Savior lead me to the rock that is higher than I) (Higher than I)
Thou hast been a shelter for me

Repeat Chorus 1

If you'll go into the wilderness where dying ones are lost
(My brother) Thou hast been a shelter for me
You will find Him there to heal and bless no matter what the cost
(My brother) Thou hast been a shelter for me

Repeat Chorus 2

G

Subject: RE: Songbook Index: Country & Western Gospel Hymnals
From: GUEST,sobo
Date: 24 Apr 09 - 12:06 PM

Where can I find the lyrics and music of the song 'Lead me to the Rock' as sung by Melody boys Quartet, or Stephen Hill on Gaither show of Mountain Homecoming series?