Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)

Subject: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Muggletonian
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 08:30 PM

Hi,

I am looking for lyrics to this Shaker hymn, and also for suggestions of other traditional songs that deal with hunger (spiritual or other). Any leads?

Thanks

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 09:36 PM

Although my copy of "The Shaker Hymnal" (Reprint of 1908 Hymnal used by the Canturbury NH Shaker Community) does not contain the title you indicated, there is one that comes close; "BOUNTIFUL", AKA "Let Us No More Hunger Nor Thirst" (Pg.229).

It's in one flat, 6/8 time, and starts on "C".

Let me know if this might be the one and I'll try and transcribe it 4U (this text field is acting whacky tonight).

How about Steven FOSTER's "Hard Times"? Another Civil War song "Faded Coat of Blue" involves a Union prisoner of war starving to death in captivity.

There is a more contemporary Gospel song - perhaps GAITHER - I think it's called "Fill My Cup Lord" which may fit your critereon as well.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 10:07 PM

They are not all hymns and some are new, but take a look at this thread too.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Oct 01 - 10:18 PM

Never mind. I see you already did, and joined up besides! Welcome to the zoo!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Muggletonian
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 07:49 AM

Hi all,

Thanks for the welcome, and for the suggestions. Uncle Jaque, if it isn't too much of a hassle to transcribe the lyrics to the Shaker hymn "Bountiful," I really would appreciate it. But if it is too much trouble, just let me know, and I will try to find it at the library.

Cheers, Muggletonian

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 01 Nov 01 - 09:09 AM

You can use the search function at the cyberhymnal to search for words like hunger, thirst, feed, etc. I didn't see your hymn, but there were lots of other hymns with similar words. All the Way My Savior Leads Me --- Feeds me with the living bread

Bread of Heaven, On Thee We Feed

Break Thou the Bread of Life also Here at Thy Table, Lord to the same tune.

As Pants the Hart for Cooling Streams

O Food to Pilgrims Given

Dives and Lazarus --- but this isn't the lovely Kingsfold tune. ??????

I Would Be True --- that I may not feel this hunger

Brethern We Have Met to Worship (Holy Manna)

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Muggletonian
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 08:23 AM

I found the lyrics!

Found a lovely recording yesterday called "Gentle Words: Shaker Songs arranged by Kevin Siegfried," performed by the Tudor Choir. It includes "Hunger and Thirst" (not, as I'd written, "I Hunger and Thirst.") These are the lyrics:

I hunger and thirst after true righteousness.
In what I've obtained, my soul cannot rest.

An ocean I see, without bottom or shore.
O feed me I'm hungry, enrich me I'm poor.

I will cry unto God, I never will cease,
'Til my soul's filled with love, perfect love and sweet peace.

It was written in Alfred, Maine in 1837.

Many thanks for all your help and suggestions.

Cheers,
Muggletonian

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Uncle Jaque
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 10:55 AM

Now that's interesting...

The version we have here ("Bountiful") is equally short and to the point, but goes thusly:

"O let us not hunger nor thirst,
The fruits of the spirit abound;
The riches of immortal Truth
I'm reaping on hallowed ground.:|

My gospel companions, we'll rise,
Rejoice in the light of today;
We see, as never before,
How God doth His mercy display :|

Do you suppose it is another verse of the same song? This is the only one printed in this edition - could be I suppose; it would be reasonable for these tunes to evolve within and between Shaker Communities.

If you would like a scanning of the page with the score, drop me a PM with your E-Dress and I can send it as a *.GIF or *.JPG.

The Sabbathday Shaker Community is located here in Maine not far from our base of operations. They had all but died out - were down to about 4 old women as I recall - but now seem to be having some sort of revival as it were. They also have a dedicated organization of non-Shakers helping to preserve and restore the beautiful old buildings and grounds up there, and conduct tours for visitors. A small gift shop sells herbs, teas, literature and as I recall some music to help support the endeavor.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: GUEST,muggletonian
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 02:53 PM

Thanks for the words to "Bountiful," Uncle Jaque. Interesting to compare with "Hunger and Thirst."

I have no idea whether the two songs are related, but I'd imagine that the librarian at Sabbathday Lake might know. The Sabbathday Lake Shakers website is excellent, btw, and includes a link directly to their library. Sorry I don't have the URL handy.

I am glad to have found the Tudor Choir recording. In addition to "Hunger and Thirst," it includes a rousing rendition of "Followers of the Lamb" (aka "I'm Glad I am a Shaker.") And it has one track that's just vocal sounds, not words--reminds me of Scottish mouth music. Interestingly, the album does not include "Simple Gifts."

As for a Shaker revival...Mother Ann Lee did prophesy that when Shaker numbers dwindled down to nothing, there would be a great resurgence of the faith. Who knows?! Certainly, in these sad and difficult days, I can see how the Shaker way of life could be enormously appealing.

Best, Muggletonian

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Burke
Date: 02 Nov 01 - 04:08 PM

Certainly the text of one hymn can influence another later one. The two texts are entirely different meters so the connection may be there, but not as close as different verses of the same song.

I understand later Shaker hymns (1906 would be later) were much more similar to hymns of other churches than the earlier ones that were much more in a 'folk' vein.

Look at Communion hymns for spiritual hunger.

I mentioned a Bread for the World Hymnal in the other thread.

Banquet of Praise : a book of worship resources, hymns and songs in the spirit of justice, peace and food for all / from Bread for the World.

It includes worship resources such as Calls to Worship, Prayers, Confessions, Responsive Readings and @150 Songs and Hymns. Some of the hymns are as I recalled, new words for old hymns. Others are completly new, words & music, others are old hymns found useful by BFW. They do not all include references to hunger.

150 is too many to look through, but it did bring some other types of hymns to mind. The Magnificat - lift the lowly & cast down the mighty; hymns about Jesus being the Bread of Life; hymns where we ask to be more loving or about going through life with responsibility for each other.

Try to get this hymnal if you can. In the light of Sept. 11 there are some really powerful texts in it.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: Muggletonian
Date: 03 Nov 01 - 11:17 AM

Thanks Burke. I will definitely get the Bread for the World hymnal. I work in anti-hunger advocacy, so it would generally be an extremely useful thing to have. When you mentioned it on the "Songs about hunger" thread, I searched my office to see if we have a copy, but we don't. I found out, however, that it can be ordered from BFTW for just $2. Not bad for 150 hymns!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: masato sakurai
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 12:16 AM

The sound clip of "Hunger and Thirst" from Gentle Words is HERE.
~Masato

Subject: Lyr Add: I HUNGER AND THIRST
From: Nigel.Parsons
Date: 04 Nov 01 - 03:11 PM

Not, apparently, the version requested, but with the title as quoted.

I hunger and I thirst;
Jesu my manna be;
Ye living waters, burst
Out of the rock for me.

Thou bruised and broken Bread,
My life-long wants supply;
As living souls are fed,
O feed me, or I die.

Thou true life-giving Vine,
Let me Thy sweetness prove;
Renew my life with Thine,
Refresh my soul with love.

Rough paths my feet have trod
Since first their course began;
Feed me, Thou Bread of God;
Help me, Thou Son of Man.

For still the desert lies
My thirsting soul before;
O living waters, rise
Within me evermore.

Words: J.S.B. Monsell (dates unknown)
Tune: Eccles :B Luard Selby (1853-1919)
Hymns Ancient & Modern #716
Hymns Ancient & Modern Revised #413
Alternate Tune: Living Waters: Michael Brierly
Thirty 20th Century Hymn Tunes: Pub. Joseph Weinberger

Posted by Nigel Parsons

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 05 - 03:03 PM

Hear Sister R. Mildred Barker sing it HERE.

~S~

Subject: Chords ADD: I Hunger and Thirst (Shaker Hymn)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Feb 05 - 11:09 AM

The form of this is AABB, AABB.

~S~

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

I Hunger and Thirst
Written in Alfred, Maine (1837). Learned from the singing of Sister R. Mildred Barker on Rounder Select CD EARLY SHAKER SPIRITUALS. This version adapted, edited, and arranged (C) 2005 for The Good News-Goodtime Band by Susan O. Hinton.

A Part:
I hunger and thirst, I hunger and thirst after true righteousness.
In what I've obtained, in what I've obtained my soul cannot rest.

B Part:
An ocean I see, without bottom or shore.
O feed me I'm hungry, enrich me I'm poor.
I will cry unto God, I never will cease,
'Til my soul's filled with love, love, perfect love and sweet peace.

CHORDS:
(From the first chord CHANGE in each line)

A Part:
D, G, D
G, D

B Part:
D, G, D, A7, D
G, D, A7, D
A7, G
D, G, A7, D

With thanks to Shelley Phillips, Community Music School, for a start on the arrangement.

SH