19th Day of Easter - Sweet, Sweet Spirit

This is an old favorite of the Sardis UMC congregation where I have served as music minister for 15 years. This wonderful recording is an Adventist Choir and a congregation in North London singing together.

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

I love the harmony they split into at the high part - “sweet Holy Spirit, sweet heavenly dove...” That is where congregations tend to lose singers, or they drop an octave. Harmony makes it possible for everyone to sing in their best voice, together. We just can’t all sing the melody at the same time. There is a life lesson in that, for sure.

Read this, if you have time, to learn about the composer and the wonderful way the song came about. Story behind the song

18th Day of Easter - I Need Thee Every Hour

(My apologies for not posting every day of the Easter season. There are plenty of great songs, but 50 days of continuous posting is a bit more than I can find the time to do well)

I woke up with the chorus of this song in my head. Here is the hymn page with all the verses and a recorded version with some fine guitar picking in it. 

I Need Thee Every Hour hymn page

I Need Thee - Chelsea Moon w/ Franz Brothers

If you want to just sing the chorus over and over, join along with this congregation. I Need Thee - Don Moen

Annie S. Hawks wrote the words to “I Need Thee” in 1872. Her pastor, Rev. Robert Lowry, composed the music and added the repeating chorus. I wonder if we would know the song without the chorus - it is the most powerful part. 

Wikipedia quotes Ms. Hawks about her mood when she wrote the song -  "For myself, the hymn was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experiences, for it was wafted out to the world on the wings of love and joy, instead of under the stress of personal sorrow."

15th Day of Easter - We Will Feast in the House of Zion

Based on promises in Psalm 42 and 62 as well as Isaiah 43, Sandra McCracken’s “We Will Feast in the House of Zion” is especially appropriate for the anxious times in our lives.

We Will Feast in the House of Zion

You can easily find excellent video and audio recordings of the composer singing the song, but something about this woman’s offering is especially sweet and touched me in a way that the professional productions of the songs didn’t. Thank you, Laura Anderson. I, too, have been a little bit stressed lately and found that I couldn’t come up with a song every day, even though all I do is post other people’s work. You took the time to learn the chords and had the courage to post yourself singing. I hoped to do that myself but haven’t made it happen. You did, and it cheered my heart and encouraged me which is what you wanted all along, isn’t it?

12th Day of Easter - Getty Family Sing

Some of you enjoyed hearing the Gettys sing “In Christ Alone”with Alison Krauss during Holy Week. Here the Gettys are singing in their home with their adorable little girls.

Getty Family Sing

The Gettys have posted several family videos during the shelter-in-place season.

Here is In Christ Alone in case you missed it.

9th Day of Easter - I Heard the Angels Singing

Eric Bibb has a unique drive to his music that makes it instantly distinguishable. If I had to pick a favorite musician at this stage of my life, it would be him.

There are studio versions of Bibb performing this song that can be found online, but I love the minimalism of just the man with his guitar -

I Heard the Angels Singing

The lyrics are traditional, perhaps a spiritual.

I went down in the valley one day
I heard the angels singing
I heard a voice, I saw no one
I heard the angels singing
What you reckon the angels said
I heard the angels singing
Your sins is forgiven and your soul is free
I heard the angels singing
I went down in the valley one day
I heard the angels singing to me
I seen an old devil walk down my way
I heard the angels singing
What you reckon the devil said
I heard the angels singing
He said that heaven's door is closed, go home don't pray
But I heard the angels singing
I said get back sit down, get out of my way
I heard the angels singing
I don't wanna hear another word you say
Oh I heard the angels singing
Oh yes, I heard the angels singing
Just when I thought my soul was lost
I heard the angels singing
My dungeon was shook, my chains dropped off
I heard them singing
The people come running, saying what's it all about
I heard the angels singing
The holy ghost hit me, I could not help but shout
I heard the angels singing
When I went down in the valley one day
I heard the angels singing to me
I seen an old devil walk down my way
I heard the angels singing
I said get back sit down, get out of my way
I heard the angels
I don't wanna hear another word you say
Woo! I heard 'em singing
In that great getting up morning
I heard the angels singing to me
In that great getting up morning and I, whoo!
You know I heard the angels, hallelujah!

8th Day of Easter - And Can It Be

This version has stayed in my head in a delightful way, so I’m sharing it again.

And Can It Be-Lou Fellingham and Phatfish

It is joyous and easy to sing. If the video is distracting, try just listening.
The group is from England and performed together for 20 years, only recently retiring.

Two other versions of this song are posted back on day 5, if you missed it. Like most contemporary versions, this one omits the second verse, which is a shame but understandable.

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died he for me? Who caused his pain! For me? Who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? 
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depth of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
Emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. 
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 
Alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own

7th Day of Easter - That Easter Day

That Easter Day

My little choir at Sardis UMC had just started rehearsing this for our Easter anthem on our last rehearsal together in early March. I am very glad we avoided the virus spread that happened at some choir rehearsals the same week. Choir rehearsals can be “super spreader events.”

 I’m surprised that this Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance is the closest to the arrangement I had in my head ...with a mite fewer voices and instruments. Maybe 8 voices and a flute?

This song needs to be dance-like and full of energy, not plodding at a slow tempo with an overpowering organ like most versions online. Mack Wilberg is a fine arranger who strikes a delicate balance between staying true to a melody while milking it for all it is worth for his massive performing forces.

Even world class choirs are hard to understand, so the text is provided below. It was written by Michael Praetorius, a German composer who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The tune is also called Puer Nobis and is sometimes used for Christmas texts.

That Easter Day with joy was bright, the sun shone out with fairer light,
When to their longing eyes restored, the apostles saw their risen Lord.

His risen flesh with radiance glowed; his wounded hands and feet he showed;
Those scars their solemn witness gave that Christ was risen from the grave.

O Lord of all, with us abide in this, our joyful Eastertide;
From every weapon death can wield, thine own redeemed forever shield.

All praise, O risen Lord, we give to thee, who dead, again does live; 
To God the Father equal praise, and God the Holy Spirit raise.

6th Day of Easter - And Now My Dear Companions

Are you missing people during this season of “sheltering in place?”

This lovely instrumental piece And Now My Dear Companions was recorded by William Coulter and Barry Phillips on their album “Simple Gifts: Instrumental Arrangements of Shaker Melodies.” It is fair to say that more people are familiar with their version than with any vocal arrangement, but I was able to poke around and find the text. The song was written around 1860 by Shaker composer Augustus P. Blaise.

Like many texts and traditions which come from the Shakers, you can interpret these words in negative or positive ways, depending on your own beliefs. The “marching, toiling, struggling” lines have been associated with the early Mormons, though there is no evidence that they adapted this song.

Enjoy the instrumental version, and listen to more songs off the Simple Gifts album that should pop up as options on YouTube. I’ve included the song in this Easter collection because I love the tune and find the title appropriate in a wistful sort of way. The instrumental version starts with the word “And” in the title but I haven’t found that word included with any version of the text.


Now, my dear companions
Is the time to start anew.
Anew, anew 
For the kingdom of Heaven.
With faith and zeal and courage strong
We will ever be marching on,
Toiling on, struggling on,
For a perfect Heaven.

5th Day of Easter - And Can It Be

This wonderful text needs to be sung; the problem is finding a tune that people can actually sing.

Here is the traditional tune SAGINA with the harmony parts familiar from many hymnals. This choir gets extra credit for including verse 2.  I love the imagery of curious angels in that verse! And Can It Be (traditional)

Here is a more singable tune, and the repeated “Amazing Love, how can it be, that Thou, my God, should die for me?” drives home the theme of the song. I’ve heard better arrangements of this version, but I appreciate this one being posted online: And Can It Be (Indelible Grace)

Here is another setting that works well. I’m glad I stumbled across this one.
And Can It Be-  Lou Fellingham and Phatfish

The words were written in 1739 by Charles Wesley and may be most effective simply read, not sung.  None of the tunes I’ve heard quite capture the power of the questions and exclamations Wesley poses.

And can it be that I should gain an interest in the Savior’s blood!
Died he for me? Who caused his pain! For me? Who him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be that thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

‘Tis mystery all: th’Immortal dies! Who can explore his strange design? 
In vain the firstborn seraph tries to sound the depth of love divine.
‘Tis mercy all! Let earth adore; let angel minds inquire no more.

He left his Father’s throne above (so free, so infinite his grace!),
Emptied himself of all but love, and bled for Adam’s helpless race. 
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in him, is mine; 
Alive in him, my living Head, and clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne, and claim the crown, through Christ my own.

4th Day of Easter - Now the Green Blade Rises

Now the Green Blade Rises

A writer for the website Aleteia refers to this song as a “hymn full of metaphors.” The lyrics were written by Anglican chaplain John (J.M.C.) Crum in the early 20th century. Mr. Crum specifically wrote the words to be set to the tune “Noel Nouvelet,” often simply referred to as a French Carol. Some of you may know the tune from “Sing we now of Christmas, sing we all Noel.”

Along with this church duties, Crum wrote children’s stories and songs. Perhaps his practice of seeing things through the eyes of children informed his vivid imagery. The song has a Biblical reference in John 12:24 when Jesus uses a grain of wheat to illustrate his coming hour of glory. “...unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone, but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

The performance linked above begins with a lovely solo by a young woman named Laura Wright, then the scene opens up to a “congregational choir” like the one in yesterday’s video.

Third Day of Easter - All Hail the Power

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

If you ever need a reminder that Christianity is a faith of amazing diversity, check out this video. I love seeing the women in their saris packing the pews as an Indian woman conducts the huge choir from the front. I also love their precise diction and lovely accents!

Edward Perronet penned the lyrics in 1779. Perronet was an Anglican priest who was, for a time, a close associate of John and Charles Wesley. There is a story that John Wesley insisted that Perronet preach at one of his large gatherings. Put on the spot in front of the huge crowd, Perronet announced that he would preach “the greatest sermon the world has ever known.” He opened his Bible, read the Sermon on the Mount, then sat back down. 

I do not know if the above story is true at all or partly true...I also do not know if Perronet was ever a missionary to India as one source states. I do know that this hymn has been set to multiple tunes. This one is called “Diadem” and was composed by James Ellor in 1838 specifically for this text.

Easter Monday - What A Beautiful Name

Happy Easter Season! On the second day of Easter, we have -

What a Beautiful Name - Brooke Ligertwood/Ben Fielding

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir might be one of the most diverse music-making groups in the world. It is fun to watch them sing this song and wonder what brought each person to that particular church in Brooklyn, to that choir...what are their stories?

This is a wonderful song to sing in a group, in private devotions, or when driving down the road.


What a Beautiful Name

You were the Word at the beginning
One With God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ

What a beautiful Name it is
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a beautiful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a beautiful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now

What a wonderful Name it is
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus Christ my King

What a wonderful Name it is
Nothing compares to this
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus
What a wonderful Name it is
The Name of Jesus

How sweet is your name, Lord, how good You are
Love to sing in the name of the Lord, love…

Easter - An Offering of Three

He is Risen!

Common sense tells me to spread out Easter songs for at least a week or two, but I cannot resist sharing my three favorites all at once.

You can find a more polished studio version of this song, but I love this simple live version of Bob Bennett singing  I Know That My Redeemer Lives. 

Keith Green represents some of the best aspects of the ‘70s Jesus Movement. He was radical in so many good ways. He was one of the most popular of the young musicians writing and performing “Jesus Music,” but he insisted that his albums be made available without cost to anyone who couldn’t afford them. No Compromise, a biography of his too-short life, is a worthwhile read.

He didn’t write this Easter Song, fellow Jesus Movement singer/songwriter Anne Herring did, but Green delivers such an integrated performance that it is said that he couldn’t record the piano and vocal tracks separately. He had to sing and play at the same time to get the right feeling for the music.

I will miss singing together on Easter morning! Charles Wesley’s Christ the Lord is Risen Today has been part of my Easter service repertoire for over 30 years. This is best as a congregational song, not a solo, so I’m including a congregational version. If you look closely, some of you will recognize Blair Zant in the upper left-hand corner of the opening screen. I appear in a window later in the song, and I’m in the middle of all the faces in the final shot. It was a fun exercise. Sing along!

He is Risen, indeed!

Holy Saturday - Ah, Holy Jesus

Ah, Holy Jesus

This video could be the basis for a long article or book on sociology, Christianity, music, hipness...or it can simply be enjoyed with no comment. Please watch and listen, and sing along if you like.

Sufjan Stevens with Chris Thile in 2018 on Live From Here.

Ah, Holy Jesus
Words by Johann Heermann, 1630; translated by Robert Bridges, 1899
Music by Johann Crüger, 1640

Ah, Holy Jesus, how hast thou offended,
That we to judge thee have in hate pretended?
By foes derided, by thine own rejected, O most afflicted!

Who was the guilty? Who brought this upon thee?
Alas, my treason, Jesus, hath undone thee!
‘Twas I, Lord Jesus, I it was denied thee, I crucified thee.

Lo, the Good Shepherd for the sheep is offered;
The slave hath sinned, and the Son hath suffered.
For our atonement, while we nothing heeded, God interceded.

For me, kind Jesus, was thy incarnation,
Thy mortal sorrow, and thy life’s oblation;
Thy death of anguish and thy bitter passion, for my salvation.

Therefore, kind Jesus, since I cannot pay thee,
I do adore thee, and will ever pray thee,
Think on thy pity and thy love unswerving, not my deserving.

Good Friday - O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Do you find yourself avoiding songs in minor keys as you grow older? Minor intervals make up the singsong chants of childhood. Little children seem to intuitively realize that “sad” music can express emotions that we already have in us. When we lean into the internal knowledge of our deaths that is always with us, we often feel better, more at peace.

This song focuses on the suffering of Jesus, then ends with the words “Lord, let me never, never outlive my love for Thee!” Sometimes younger people have the courage to proclaim those words better than their elders who may have grown cynical. Maybe us older folks need to sit with words like these awhile longer.

The version of O Sacred Head, Now Wounded linked above is performed Fernando Ortega. The Latin text is often attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th century abbot from Burgundy. The music was composed by Hans Hassler in the early 17th century and harmonized by J.S. Bach in the 18th.

If you want more Bach, some folks use Good Friday as a time to listen to all of his St. Matthew’s Passion.  If you want to watch and hear a German version with English subtitles, check Here.

If you want to just listen but have access to an English translation, go Here.

Maundy Thursday - If Ye Love Me

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.  John 13:34, 35

If Ye Love Me

A new commandment - mandatum, in Latin - that Jesus’ little band of followers would love each other the way he loved them. The Latin word is where we get the term Maundy and why we call this day Maundy Thursday, the time we remember Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.

The text of If ye love me is taken from words Jesus spoke later the same evening as he continued impressing on his disciples the meaning of love:

If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father and he will give you another Helper, that he may be with you forever, that is, the spirit of truth. John 14:15-17a

Composer Thomas Tallis had an amazing life. He remained Catholic at a time in England when it was dangerous not to convert to the Church of England. Not only did he not convert, he was employed by the royal court for over 50 years! While he found favor with monarchs from Henry VII to Elizabeth I, Tallis lived at a time when many Christians were not following the command to love each other. He set these words from the gospel of John in 1565.

This song is beloved not just for the text but for the beautiful musical setting of the words. I first heard it performed at a wedding when my daughter Melinda and Ryan were married. Most of you heard it just a couple of years ago at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle.

The Cambridge Singers perform with the text and music on the screen. Here
Note the rich major chord on the word “forever.” This song is designed to give us hope!

Holy Week Wednesday - Were You There?

Were You There When They Crucified My Lord?

This moving favorite is a true spiritual - a biblically-inspired song created and passed on by enslaved people in the American south. It was the first spiritual to be included in a major hymnal, the Anglican hymnal of 1940, and has been recorded many times in a variety of styles. Two versions are linked below - the first by Victor Trent Cook and the Three Mo’ Tenors Gospel Ensemble, the second by a trio of young women called Pegasis.

Victor Trent Cook

Pegasis



For a change of pace from the heavy, meditative tone of Holy Week, enjoy this video of the Getty family singalong. There is a lovely solo by the mom about midway, and the family has suggestions for ways to enjoy uplifting music throughout the day.

Getty Family Singalong March 31

Holy Week Tuesday - Lamb of God

Lamb of God

Twila Paris was a young songwriter, on the rise in the contemporary Christian recording scene, when she composed “Lamb of God” in 1985. The song can now be found in a variety of hymnals including The Faith We Sing, the UMC supplemental hymnal published in 2000.

I’ve linked to Twila Parish singing the song as it was performed in the 80s and 90s, and I’ve also included a version of a fellow playing the piano and singing the song in what appears to be an empty sanctuary. Twila Parish is wonderful, but I like the simplicity of the second version - something about him sitting alone in a sanctuary is very fitting in this odd Lenten season we are experiencing together.

Original Twila Parish version

Anonymous singer/pianist


And for those of you learning to play guitar, this version by a young woman named Lindsay clearly shows the guitar chords. Sing and play along! If you need a chord chart, check Here.

Lamb of God

Your only Son, no sin to hide, but you sent him from your side
To walk upon this guilty sod
And to become the Lamb of God.

Your gift of love they crucified, they laughed and scorned him as he died,
The humble king they named a fraud
And sacrificed the Lamb of God

O Lamb of God! Sweet Lamb of God!
I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood,
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

I was so lost, I should have died, but you have brought me to your side,
To be led by your staff and rod,
And to be called a lamb of God.

O Lamb of God! Sweet Lamb of God!
I love the holy Lamb of God!
O wash me in his precious blood,
My Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Holy Week Monday - What Wondrous Love is This

What Wondrous Love is This

     This song is an American folk hymn that was first published in hymnals in the early 19th century. The tune is of English origins and was likely over a century old when it was used with this text.
   
Fernando Ortega version is Here

St. Olaf Choir version is Here



Here is an 1811 version of the text.

What wondrous love is this,
O my soul! O my soul!
What wondrous love is this!
O my soul! 
What wondrous love is this!
That caused the Lord of bliss!
To send this precious peace,
To my soul, to my soul!
To send this precious peace
To my soul!
(Most hymnals use the text “To bear the dreadful curse for my soul” instead of “To send this precious peace for my soul”)

When I was sinking down,
Sinking down, sinking down;
When I was sinking down
Sinking down
When I was sinking down,
Beneath God's righteous frown,
Christ laid aside his crown
For my soul, for my soul!
Christ laid aside his crown
For my soul!

To God and to the Lamb,
I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb,
I will sing--
To God and to the Lamb,
who is the great I AM,
while millions join the theme,
I will sing, I will sing!
while millions join the theme,
I will sing!


And while from death I'm free,
I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
And while from death I'm free,
I'll sing on.
and while from death I'm free, 
I'll sing and joyful be,
and through eternity
I'll sing on, I'll sing on,
and through eternity
I'll sing on.