Take Your Shoes Off, Moses

1

Well, God spoke to Moses at the burning bush

Burning bush, Lord the burning bush

God spoke to Moses at the burning bush

Saying I am the Lord, thy God

CHORUS

   Take your shoes off Moses you’re on holy ground

   Holy ground, you’re on holy ground

   Take your shoes off Moses you’re on Holy ground

   For I am the Lord, thy God

2

Go yonder Moses and smite that rock

Smite that rock, Lord smite that rock

Go yonder Moses and smite that rock

For I am the Lord, thy God [Chorus]

3

Stand still Moses see salvation work

Salvation work, see salvation work

Stand still Moses and see salvation work

For I am the Lord, thy God [Chorus]

written by J D Jarvis

Take Your Shoes Off, Moses - Ralph Stanley

This song references three stories from the book of Exodus in the Bible -

EXODUS 3 

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

EXODUS 17 

And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink. Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go. Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?

EXODUS 14 

And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they turn and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, over against Baalzephon: before it shall ye encamp by the sea. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, They are entangled in the land, the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, that he shall follow after them; and I will be honoured upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host; that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord. And they did so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled: and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people, and they said, Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us? And he made ready his chariot, and took his people with him: And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over every one of them. And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel: and the children of Israel went out with an high hand. But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, and his army, and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baalzephon. And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt? Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness. And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.

Let the Church Roll On

There’s a deacon in the church (oh my lord)

And he won’t do right (oh my lord)

What shall we do (oh my lord)

Turn him out and kick him out

And let the church roll on

There a drunkards in the church (oh my lord)

And he won’t do right (oh my lord)

What shall we do, take the liquor pour it out

And let the church roll on

There’s women in the church (oh my lord)

Got paint on their face (oh my lord)

What shall we do, take some water and wash it off

And let the church roll on

   Let the church roll on (oh my lord)

   Let the church roll on (oh my lord)

   Let the church roll on (oh my lord)

   Let the church roll on

Let the Church Roll On - Flatt & Scruggs

Here is my favorite version of this song --

Let the Church Roll On - Mahalia Jackson

This World is Not My Home

1

This world is not my home, I’m just-a-passing through

My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue

The angels beckon me to heaven’s open door

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

2

Oh Lord, you know I have no friend like you

If heaven’s not my home, oh Lord what will I do

The angels beckon me to heaven’s open door

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

3

They're all expecting me, and that’s one thing I know

I fixed it up with Jesus a long time ago

He will take me through, though I am weak and poor

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

4

Over in glory land there’ll be no dying there

The saints all shouting victory and singing everywhere

I hear the voice of them that’s gone on before

And I can’t feel at home in this world anymore

This World is Not My Home - The Statler Brothers

I don't know why the Statler Brothers feel like family to me. (Partly because Jimmy Fortune reminds me so much of Uncle Ron.)

Lord, Build Me a Cabin in Gloryland

(That time I decided to 'decorate' a hymnal.)

1

Many years I’ve been lookin’ for a place to call home

But I still didn’t find it so I must travel on

I don’t care for the fine mansions on earth’s sinkin' sand

Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

2

Listen Lord I’m not askin’ to live in the midst

For I know that I’m not worthy of such splendor as this

When I ask Him for mercy while humbly I stand

Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

3

I’ve many dear loved one’s who’ve gone on this way

On the grapevine of mournin’ shall I hear them all say

Come and join in the singin’ and play in our band

Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

CHORUS

   Lord build me just a cabin in the corner of gloryland

   In the shade of his tree of life that it may ever stand

   Where I can hear the angels and shake Jesus’ hand

    Lord build me a cabin in the corner of gloryland

Curtis Stewart

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSR4q1SRwOg&list=RDBSR4q1SRwOg&start_radio=1

This was one of my mother's favorite songs. Here's what she wrote about it:

I never wanted a mansion or even a new house that most people consider beautiful.  My dream house was always a cabin.  That house in Watervliet seems like a perfect cabin to me.  Even when I was a little girl - I wanted a cabin.  When I was 10 years old, I started worrying about getting into Heaven since I didn't want one of those "mansions" Jesus had for us.  I wondered if I would even be allowed to go to Heaven since I didn't want one of those mansions, and I assumed there were not any cabins there - just mansions.  That thought stayed with me from then on until when I was 14 years old, I went to church with my good friend (Peggy).  It was a Pentecostal church and they were having a revival meeting.  During the goings-on, Peggy had gone to the front of the church for some reason and when she came back after a few minutes, she told me and another friend who was with us, and was also a member of that church, to get a song book and come on, we were going to do a trio for the congregation.  So we went up front and opened to the page Peggy said and I had never heard that song before but I was used to singing songs I didn't know and could read the music just fine so I was okay with it.  The piano player hit the keys and she played great - honky tonk style. She was one of those people who play by ear and she was good! And then I noticed the title: "Lord Build Me A Cabin".  And the first line in the chorus was "Lord build me a cabin, in the corner of Glory Land". Well, from that minute on all was well in my world! I knew that there was somebody besides me who just wanted a cabin in Heaven, not one of the mansions. And that was the man who wrote that song.  I have learned that it was the only song he ever wrote and it was only published once, in one book and that was the book they used there at that church where Peggy's daddy was the preacher.  God did all that for me so I could put my mind at ease.

My mother painted this picture. I wonder if she was thinking of this song when she painted it.

I'll Fly Away

1

Some glad morning when this life is o'er

I'll fly away

To a home on God's celestial shore

I'll fly away

2

When the shadows of this life have grown

I'll fly away

Like a bird from prison bars has flown

I'll fly away

3

Just a few more weary days and then

I'll fly away

To a land where joys shall never end

I'll fly away

REFRAIN

I'll fly away, O glory,

I'll fly away (in the morning)

When I die, hallelujah by and by,

I'll fly away

Albert E. Brumley

I'll Fly Away - BACKWOODS BLUEGRASS BAND

Hear Jerusalem Moan

 

Bluegrass gospel is essentially folk music. And with folk music, since it is more of an oral tradition than an official record, the lyrics and even the tunes can be random and mix-and-match, according to the whim of the performer. You have probably already noticed that from these few recent blog posts. 

This set of lyrics came from the Bluegrass Lyrics (dot com) website.

Well I got a home on the other shore

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

I know I’ll live there forever more

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

    Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan, don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

    Thank God there’s a Heaven and a ringin’ in my soul

    and my soul set free

    Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

Well now Sister Mary she wears a chain

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

And on every link is a Jesus’ name

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

The devil wears a hypocrite shoe

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

you don’t watch out he’s gonna step ’em on you

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

Now the Methodist preacher is a mighty fine man

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

Showin’ us the way to the promised land

Don’t you hear Jerusalem moan

This set of lyrics comes from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recording of the song:

Well, I got a home on the other shore

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

I know I'll live there forevermore

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Thank God there's a heaven and a ringing in my soul, and my soul's set free

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

It's a hard road to walk and a mighty long way

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

But your feet will get to flying when your soul is saved

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Thank God there's a heaven and a ringing in my soul, and my soul's set free

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

Well, a Baptist preacher sure knows his Bible

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

He's on a first-name basis with the saints inside it

Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    (Lord, Lord, Lord) I can hear Jerusalem moan

    (Lord, Lord, Lord)

    Hear it moan (Lord, Lord, Lord)

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

    Thank God there's a heaven and a ringing in my soul, and my soul's set free

    Don't you hear Jerusalem moan?

Hear Jerusalem Moan - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

I Am the Man, Thomas

   I am the Man, Thomas, I am the Man

   Look at these nail scars here in my hands

They pierced me in the side, Thomas, I am the Man

They made me bear the cross, Thomas, I am the Man

They laid me in the tomb, Thomas, I am the Man

In three days I arose, Thomas, I am the Man

They pierced me in the Side, Thomas, I am the Man

They made me bear the cross, Thomas, I am the Man

I Am the Man, Thomas - Ralph Stanley

John 20:19-29

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. 

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe. 

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you. Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

New Book

 

Paperback and Kindle

* * *

I really hadn't intended to even tell anybody about this book. It's mostly a re-hash of my other books of poems -- I just keep adding to the collection and then repackaging, with the addition of the most recent poems. "I don't understand all I know" (as Grandma used to say) about poetry. I just write stuff once in a while, when times get rough. Anyway, for what it's worth... 

* * *

I am starting to work on another Heart Bells type book -- about hymns and gospel songs. It will be a while, though, because I'm actually going to try to write it from scratch. 

George Lynn

PHOTO: Kenneth Davis, Jr. (standing) - my college choir director - and George Lynn, composer of the worst Christian choral music I ever heard.

REMEMBER WHEN I TOLD YOU ABOUT THE HORRIBLE MUSIC THAT OUR CHOIR DIRECTOR'S FORMER PROFESSOR WROTE -- AND FORCED US TO SING??? 

HERE'S A SAMPLE:

Music composed by George Lynn

Dr. Kenneth Davis, Jr. was my choir director at Harding College. He thought George Lynn was just great. I never understood that, because Davis was a really excellent musician and choir director. He just had a blind spot when it came to George Lynn.

Honey In the Rock

1 

O my brother, do you know the Savior,

Who is wondrous, kind, and true?

He’s the Rock of your salvation!

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

Refrain:

Oh, there’s honey in the Rock, my brother;

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

Leave your sins for the Blood to cover;

There’s honey in the Rock for you.

2 

Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?

Do you walk in the way that’s new?

Have you drunk from the living fountain?

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

3 

Do you pray unto God the Father,

“What wilt Thou have me to do?”

Never fear, He will surely answer,

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

4 

Then go out through the streets and byways,

Preach the Word to the many or few;

Say to every fallen brother,

There’s honey in the Rock for you. [Refrain]

This is the Chuck Wagon Gang version.

Author: Frederick Arthur Graves

Honey in the Rock - Chuck Wagon Gang

Here is another similar but slightly different older version of the song, as recorded by the Carter Family.

1

Oh my brother, do you know the Savior

Who is wondrous kind and true?

He’s the Rock of your salvation

There is honey in the Rock for you

REFRAIN

   Oh, honey in the Rock (oh, honey in the Rock)

   Sweet honey in the Rock (sweet honey in the Rock)

   Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock

   Oh taste and see if the Lord is good

   Oh it tastes just like honey in the Rock

2

Have you tasted that the Lord is gracious?

Do you walk in the way that’s new?

have you drank from the living fountain?

There is honey in the Rock for you

3

Oh, there’s honey in the Rock my brother

There is honey in the Rock for you

Leave your sins fur the Blood to cover

There is honey in the Rock for you

Honey in the Rock - Carter Family

Yer not gonna b'lieve this!

 If you've ever been to Bald Knob, Arkansas, you know what a small town it is, right? But I'll tell you what -- this little town GETS AROUND. I was at Sea World in San Diego, California, once. Near the "needle" ride, they had a map of the USA painted on the pavement, with just one or two towns included in each state. Wellsir -- the town they had for Arkansas was BALD KNOB. (And, by the way, the town they had for Alabama was FAIRHOPE -- another small town!) Seriously, now. I have lived in both of those towns. I took pictures of that map, because I knew nobody would ever believe me if I didn't have proof.

Well now.... guess what -- I just found out there is actually a SONG about Bald Knob, Arkansas!

Here it is --

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Roy Acuff

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Open Road

Vern Williams Band

Bald Knob, Arkansas - Louvin Brothers

(The Louvin Brothers wrote the song, as far as I can determine.)

(But wait, there's more! You wouldn't believe how many videos of this song are on YouTube.)

PHOTO: Lester and Cleffie Burford's house on Victory Street, Bald Knob, Arkansas, 1986 (That's Cleffie coming out the door.)

Oh, wait -- yes I do...

The Gospel Plow

Well I got my hands on the gospel plow

And I wouldn’t take nothin’ for my  journey now

Keep your hands on that plow of  God

Hold on hold on

Keep your hands on that plow hold on

Well Matthew Mark Luke and John

All those prophets are dead and gone

Keep your hands on that plow of God

I never been to heaven but I’ve been told

The streets up there are made of gold

Keep your hands on that plow of God

* * *

Like most folk and mountain gospel songs, the lyrics are very fluid, and can be ad libbed by the singer during the performance. 

Here are three different renditions of this old folk gospel classic.

Keep Your Hand On the Plow - Mahalia Jackson

The Gospel Plow - Nashville Bluegrass Band

The Gospel Plow - Chance McCoy

Daniel Prayed

I heard about a man one day who wasted not his time away

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

He cared not for the things avail, he trusted one who never fail

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

   Oh, Daniel served the living God while here upon this earth he trod

   He prayed to God every morning noon and night

   He cared not for the kings decree he trusted God to set him free

   And he prayed to God every morning, noon, and night

They cast him in the lion’s den because he would not honor men

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

The jaws were locked and it made him shout, and God soon brought him

safely out

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

Now brother, let us watch and pray like Daniel did from day to day

He prayed to God every morning noon and night

We can gladly dare and do the things that God will take us through

Oh, Daniel prayed every morning, noon, and night

Daniel Prayed - Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs

Here's another version that is arranged like an old-fashioned convention song.

Daniel Prayed - Greater Vision

Here's the whole story...

Daniel 6

King James Version

6 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes, which should be over the whole kingdom; 2 And over these three presidents; of whom Daniel was first: that the princes might give accounts unto them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king thought to set him over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him. 5 Then said these men, We shall not find any occasion against this Daniel, except we find it against him concerning the law of his God. 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king, and said thus unto him, King Darius, live for ever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors, and the princes, the counsellors, and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a firm decree, that whosoever shall ask a petition of any God or man for thirty days, save of thee, O king, he shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree, and sign the writing, that it be not changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 9 Wherefore king Darius signed the writing and the decree.

 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.

11 Then these men assembled, and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near, and spake before the king concerning the king's decree; Hast thou not signed a decree, that every man that shall ask a petition of any God or man within thirty days, save of thee, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions? The king answered and said, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not. 13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.

15 Then these men assembled unto the king, and said unto the king, Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is, That no decree nor statute which the king establisheth may be changed. 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel, and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spake and said unto Daniel, Thy God whom thou servest continually, he will deliver thee.

17 And a stone was brought, and laid upon the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet, and with the signet of his lords; that the purpose might not be changed concerning Daniel. 18 Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him.

19 Then the king arose very early in the morning, and went in haste unto the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions?

21 Then said Daniel unto the king, O king, live for ever. 22 My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions' mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before him innocency was found in me; and also before thee, O king, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the king exceedingly glad for him, and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found upon him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men which had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their wives; and the lions had the mastery of them, and brake all their bones in pieces or ever they came at the bottom of the den.

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you. 26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end. 27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

Ain't No Grave

CHORUS

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

When I hear the trumpet sound

Gonna get up outa the ground

There ain’t no grave gonna hold my body down

 

Well go down yonder Gabriel

Put your foot on the land and sea

But don’t you blow that trumpet 

until you hear from me [Chorus]

 

Well look way over yonder

See people dressed in white

I know it was God’s people 

I seen ’em doin right [Chorus]

Oh look way over Jordan

What do you think I see

I see a band of angels 

and they’re comin’ after me [Chorus]

Well I goin to the river of Jordan

Bury my knees in the sand

Gonna holler high Hosanna 

til I reach that promised land [Chorus]

Well meet me Jesus meet me

Meet me in the middle of the air

And if these wings should fail me 

there won’t be no other pair [Chorus]

Ain't No Grave - The Isaacs

Ain't No Grave - Twang

Twang is an all girl string band from Mountain View, Arkansas. Note the quintessential instruments that define Bluegrass music - mandolin, fiddle, guitar, banjo, and upright bass. (As with jazz performance, there are usually segments of bluegrass songs that feature each single instrument.)

There is another version of this song with wholly different lyrics on the verses. I would classify this performance as "praise" style.

Ain't No Grave - FBA Worship

Shame is a prison

Cruel as the grave

Shame is a robber 

And he's come to take my name

Love is my redeemer

Lifting me up from the ground

Love is the power

Where my freedom song is found

CHORUS

Fear is a liar

With a smooth and velvet tongue

Fear is a tyrant

Always telling me to run

Love is a resurrection 

Love is a trumpet sound

Love is my weapon

Gonna take my giants down

CHORUS

Oh there was a battle

A war between death and life

And there on a tree

The lamb of god was crucified

He went down to grave

And took back every key

He rose up as a lion

And he set all captives free

PRAISE INTERLUDE --

HE'S ALIVE ALIVE

ALIVE HALLELUJAH

ALIVE FOREVER AMEN

PRAISE AND GLORY TO THE LAMB

WORTH IS THE LAMB

WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE

WORTHY IS THE ONE WHO HAS OVERCOME THE GRAVE

LET THE PEOPLE DANCE

LET THE PEOPLE SING

WORTHY IS THE MIGHTY KING

If you walked out of the grave

I'm walking too

CHORUS

* * *

Here is some interesting information about the history of the song and the composer Claude Ely -

Claude Ely, a songwriter and preacher from Virginia, describes composing the song while sick with tuberculosis in 1934 when he was twelve years old. His family prayed for his health, and in response he spontaneously performed this song. An African-American gospel song, "C'aint no grave," has been traced back to a 1933 Church of God in Christ hymnal by blogger Debi Simons.

 Blog post by Debi Simons

That version was recorded by Bozie Sturdivant in July 1942 (and released in 1943 as "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down") in a slower, gospel style 

Bozie Sturdivant

and in 1946-7 by Sister Rosetta Tharpe with barrelhouse piano, Tharpe having grown up in COGIC.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

The song in Ely's version was recorded (and copyrighted) in 1953, even though he wrote it as early as 1935.

Precious Memories

1

Precious memories, unseen angels

Sent from somewhere to my soul

How they linger, ever near me

And the sacred past unfolds

2

Precious father, loving mother

Fly across the lonely years

And old home scenes, of my childhood

In fond memory appears

3

In the stillness of the midnight,

Echoes from the past I hear;

Old time singing, gladness bringing,

From that lovely land somewhere.

4

As I travel on life's pathway,

Know not what the years may hold;

As I ponder, hope grows fonder,

Precious mem'ries flood my soul

CHORUS

Precious memories, how they linger

How they ever flood my soul

In the stillness, of the midnight

Precious sacred scenes unfold

Johnnie Robert Wright

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZK-E3TTBSLg&list=RDZK-E3TTBSLg&start_radio=1

You Don't Love God

Here's a smile to brighten your day...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLCuhwHuEvU

 There are many people who will say they're Christians

And they live like Christians on the Sabbath day

But come Monday morning till the coming Sunday

They will fight their neighbor all along the way

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

In the holy Bible, in the book of Matthew

Read the 18th chapter and the 21st verse

Jesus plainly tells us that we must have mercy

There's a special warning in the 35th verse

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

There's a God Almighty, and you've got to love him

If you want salvation and a home on high

If you say you love him while you hate your neighbor

Then you don't have religion, you just told a lie

Oh you don't love God

If you don't love your neighbor

If you gossip about him, if you never have mercy

If he gets into trouble and you don't try to help him

Then you don't love your neighbor

And you don't love God

MATTHEW 18:21-35

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

I Am Dwelling on the Mountain

1

I am dwelling on the mountain,

Where the golden sunlight gleams

O'er a land whose wondrous beauty

Far exceeds my fondest dreams,

Where the air is pure, ethereal,

Laden with the breath of flowers,

They are blooming by the fountain,

'Neath the amaranthine bow'rs.

2

I can see far down the mountain,

Where I wandered weary years,

Often hindered in my journey,

By the ghosts of doubt and fears;

Broken vows and disappointments,

Thickly sprinkled all the way,

But the Spirit led, unerring,

To the land I hold today.

3

I am drinking at the fountain,

Where I ever would abide,

For I've tasted life's pure river,

And my soul is satisfied;

There's no thirsting for life's pleasures,

Nor adorning rich and gay,

For I've found a richer treasure,

One that fadeth not away.

4

Tell me not of heavy crosses,

Nor the burdens hard to bear,

For I've found this great salvation

Makes each burden light appear;

And I love to follow Jesus,

Gladly counting all but dross,

Worldly honours all forsaking,

For the glory of the cross.

5

Oh, the cross has wondrous glory!

Oft I've proved this to be true;

When I'm in the way so narrow,

I can see a pathway through;

And how sweetly Jesus whispers:

"Take thy cross, thou need'st not fear,

For I've trod the way before thee,"

And the glory lingers near.

CHORUS

Is not this the Land of Beulah?

Blessed, blessed land of light;

Where the flowers bloom forever,

And the sun is always bright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLFd6UT9FRg

Moses Smote the Water

Writer: John Lee Hooker

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCh6bpgshI0

The first video (above) is the original version recorded by the writer of the song Moses Smote the Water. 

[Intro]

You ever heard thing 'bout Moses Smote the Water?

[Chorus]

Brother Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over

Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over

Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

[Verse 1]

Hey, God told Moses to go down yonder

In Egypt land

Lead my children all away

[?] throw down the rod and lead the children

He got there, way down there in Egypt land

Children is down there, they was slaves

Workin' them all day, all day long

Workin' them children all night long

My God stop says "In the fold"

Great God almighty says: "Don't work no more"

[Chorus]

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

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[Verse 2]

Great God almighty

My God stopped and began to try

If that child don't work no more

I got a home with a restin' place

Great God almighty won't be no slave

Great God almighty

My Lord stopped and looked around

All the plague was all around

Great God almighty

My children yell

Lord they workin' all night and day

Great God almighty my God said

Lord walk down to the sea

And the sea gave way

And the children all passed over, Lord

Won't have to cry no more

God knows

[Chorus]

Moses smote the water

And the seas gave way

Brother Moses smote the water

And the children all passed over, Lord

* * *

The second video (below) is the white folks' version of the song, which is the way I first heard it. (I didn't know about the original version.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LycV9PCzH9o

DAILEY & VINCENT

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

Sister, ain′t you glad you passed that sinful army?

Brother, ain't you glad that the seas gave a-way

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and the) Seas give a-way

Well, now God called Moses on the mountain top

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and) the seas give a-way

And He stamped His laws into Moses heart

A-Brother Moses smote the water

(and) the seas give a-way

Well, if you get there before I do

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

You may look for me, cuz I'm coming too

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the seas give a-way

(Well) A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the Children all passed over

A-Brother Moses smote the water

And the Seas give a-way

EXODUS 14

13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. 15 And the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward: 16 But lift thou up thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

19 And the angel of God, which went before the camp of Israel, removed and went behind them; and the pillar of the cloud went from before their face, and stood behind them: 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel; and it was a cloud and darkness to them, but it gave light by night to these: so that the one came not near the other all the night. 

21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. 22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued, and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh's horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. 

24 And it came to pass, that in the morning watch the Lord looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud, and troubled the host of the Egyptians, 25 And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians.

26 And the Lord said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians, upon their chariots, and upon their horsemen. 27 And Moses stretched forth his hand over the sea, and the sea returned to his strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it; and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned, and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one of them. 29 But the children of Israel walked upon dry land in the midst of the sea; and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.

30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead upon the sea shore. 31 And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and his servant Moses.