O For the Wings of a Dove

I am privileged to go to a church that specialises in sublime music, as well as great sermons and liturgy.

Here's what we got today:



The text is from Psalm 55, which we read out loud, as well:

Hear my prayer, O God, incline Thine ear!
Thyself from my petition do not hide.
Take heed to me! Hear how in prayer I mourn to Thee,
Without Thee all is dark, I have no guide.
The enemy shouteth, The godless come fast!
Iniquity, hatred, upon me they cast!
The wicked oppress me, Ah where shall I fly?
Perplexed and bewildered, O God, hear my cry!
My heart is sorely pained, within my breast,
my soul with deathly terror is oppressed,
trembling and fearfulness upon me fall,
with horror overwhelmed, Lord, hear me call,

O for the wings, for the wings of a dove!
Far away, far away would I rove!
In the wilderness build me a nest,
and remain there for ever at rest.

___________________

Mendelssohn's original text was in German, of course, and it's only fair that you get a chance to see that language!

Hör mein Bitten, Herr, neige dich zu mir,
auf deines Kindes Stimme habe acht! Ich bin allein;
wer wird mein Tröster und Helfer sein?
Ich irre den Pfad in dunkler Nacht!
Die Feinde sie drohen und heben ihr Haupt:
"Wo ist nun der Retter, an den wir geglaubt?"
Sie lästern sie täglich, sie stellen uns nach
und halten die Frommen in Knechtschaft und Schmach.
Mich fasst des Todes Furcht bei ihrem Dräu'n.
Sie sind unzählige - Gott, hör mein Fleh'n!
Herr, kämpfe du für mich. Gott hör mein Fleh'n.

O, könnt' ich fliegen wie Tauben dahin,
weit hinweg von den Feinden zu flieh'n,
in die Welt eilt' ich fort,
fände Ruh an schattigem Ort.

O könnt' ich fliegen wie Tauben dahin,
Weit hinweg vor dem Feinde zu fliehen!
In die Wüste eilt ich dann fort,
Fände Ruhe am schättigen Ort.

Music to Hold Hands To

It occurs to me that I don't often write about what I am listening to, so here's a musical post for whiling away these wintry days.

First up, BOY is a Swiss and German duo. Effortlessly hipster, with easy-listening, crowd pleasing pop songs. (It doesn't hurt either, being this attractive! :P) This happy little number makes me dream of sunshine and ice cream, and is great for waking yourself up to, on dreary mornings!



I had dinner with some gorgeous girl friends from college last night, and one of them played us this song. It's Tripod and Eddie Perfect, with an exquisite rendition of a Paul Kelly gem. The song itself is a beautiful reworking of Psalm 23, and I find the lyrics just as wonderful as the music.



Speaking of covers, I've rather fallen for this song, and this gentle, sweet version of it. I actually like it better than the Kinks original! Such lightness of touch from DC Cardwell.



DC also does a fine cover of this Neil Young song. Takes a few listens, I think, but the lyrics and tune has a way of getting under your skin. I've been humming snatches of it as I walk around the city. Something about it just goes so well with rain on pavement, grey skies and a blustery wind freezing your face off. Makes me happy.



ZAZ, aka Isabelle Geffroy, is part Edith Piaf, part jazz, half gypsy, and completely awesome!



Finally ... some "hai kultcha" (Oh la!). Our Church Choir sang this a few months back, and I can't get enough! Usually, I hate the organ. It is, as CS Lewis said, "one long roar." But somehow the deadly wall of noise works alright here, broken up as it is by the penetrating voices. I love the thrilling musical build up to "Ye are wash'd! Ye are sanctified! Ye are justified! In the name of the Lord JESUS!"



Happy listening!

O Heart Bereaved and Lonely

O heart bereaved and lonely,
Whose brightest dreams have fled
Whose hopes like summer roses,
Are withered crushed and dead
Though link by link be broken,
And tears unseen may fall
Look up amid thy sorrow,
To Him who knows it all.

O cling to thy Redeemer,
Thy Savior, Brother, Friend
Believe and trust His promise,
To keep you till the end
O watch and wait with patience,
And question all you will
His arms of love and mercy,
Are round about thee still.

Look up, the clouds are breaking,
The storm will soon be o'er
And thou shall reach the haven,
Where sorrows are no more
Look up, be not discouraged;
Trust on, whate'er befall
Remember, O remember,
Thy Savior knows it all.

Fanny Crosby, you rock!