I was so unfamiliar with this traditional English carol that when I looked over the lyrics in my search for Advent and Christmas music that I might want to record, I couldn't recall the tune, so it made it easier to sit down with the guitar and start to craft some chords and a melody to go with the inherent rhythm of the lyrics.
As I spent time singing this new melody, I realized that I wanted to massage the meaning of a few lines. Once I had made a few substitutions from the 18th century language and theology, I set out to record something that turned into something musically akin to "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" and other vintage tunes of Christmas past-- but with a message that gives us great hope and courage in the face of a world always seriously in need of help and salvation.
lyrics
Shepherds, rejoice, lift up your eyes, and send your fears away
Good news comes from God on high, our saviour's born today
Our saviour makes his entrance here, with freeing work to do
The Lord of angels and all the Earth has come to dwell with you
No gold, no purple swaddling bands, no royal shiny things
A manger for His cradle stands and holds the King of Kings
Go shepherds where the infant lies and see his humble throne
With tears of joy in all your eyes, go shepherds great the Son.
Thus Gabriel sings, and all around, the heavenly heralds throng
They tune their harps to the lofty sound and thus conclude their song
All glory to the Lord our God, let peace surround the Earth
Let all men know their Maker's Love at their Redeemer's birth
And all glory to the Lord our God, let peace surround the Earth
Let all men know their Maker's Love at their Redeemer's birth
Let all of us know we're loved, all of us, let all of us know,let all of know we're loved
At our Redeemer's birth, so we'll know our Redeemer's Love
credits
from Lovers Rejoice,
released November 28, 2023
Lyrics: English Traditional Isaac Watts, Wade Baynham
Music: Wade Baynham
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