July 18, 2010 10:12 AM
The Servant Song
Maddy is planning to do a CD of traditional hymns, so we are building a list of ones she loves.
At this morning's Mass we sang The Servant Song. That's a must. I've just spent half an hour trying to find a version to share with you, but couldn't find just the "right" one. This happens a lot and I end up not publishing anything because nothing fits what I want to convey.
This version, IMHO, is overproduced. But I wanted you to see the lyrics and the background of Brother Sun, Sister Moon is beautiful.
I like this version better. The tempo is a little slow, but I love the pictures from World Youth Day 2008:
I also would have preferred the traditional lyrics: "Brother, let me be your servant" rather than the watered-down PC "Will you let me be your servant?" As a writer, I appreciate the intent of the original writer. There's a big difference between the relationship expressed by the words in the first version and the generic in the second.
People need to get over this sensitivity. We all know that the word "Brother" in this context refers to both genders.
But I digress.
I also found this very sweet rendition with a dulcimer:
Brother Let Me Be Your Servant
If you have any suggestions for Maddy, leave them in a comment. Also if anyone has a lead on a Nashville producer (not because she's country, but because that's where the Christian music industry is centered), email me.
Posted in Inspiration, Music | Permalink
Comments
I just walked in from our 10AM mass and clicked on my Google Reader and your post came up. We also just sang Servant Song. We have an 11 y/o daughter (w/Ds) who loves to sing at mass. Her Dad is a cantor and so she knows many, many hymns. She has asked to have many of them loaded onto her mp3 player so we get to hear her "make a joyful noise" around the house a lot! We also like Holy God We Praise Thy Name, On Eagle's Wings, Here I Am Lord, Prayer of St. Francis, Be Not Afraid. Looking forward to Maddy's CD. Have a great day!
Posted by: Kathi Pinto | July 18, 2010 10:59 AM
This link to my 100 Hymns project from last year might be helpful:
http://www.semicolonblog.com/?cat=107
Posted by: Sherry | July 18, 2010 11:46 AM
When she sings locally, would you let us know? (We are currently living not too far from you... just for a few months.)
We love, love to sing hymns together. While I wish we did it more, that is one of the things that I just treasure from our "morning circle times" when the boys were preschoolers. And we've recently started that up again with our move and our new routine. I can't carry a tune, but will sing anyway. And when I've been sick, one of my boys will climb in bed next to me with the red Trinity Hymnal and sing to comfort me. Such tenderness.
Posted by: TulipGirl | July 18, 2010 7:37 PM
I first heard this hymn in high school and immediately wanted it sung at my wedding and then when the time came had forgotten about it. :( One of my favorites.
Posted by: Tiffany | July 18, 2010 7:46 PM
This is a beautiful song and I agree with you about the lyrics.
For her CD, It is Well With My Soul. Love, love, love that one. I love to sing it and I love to hear it. I've told everyone that it should be sung at my funeral.
Posted by: von | July 19, 2010 1:11 AM
How very wonderful. Maddy has such a wonderful gift. It will probably be vey difficult to choose what Hymns to sing as there are just so many. One of my very favorites in " Jesus Savior Pilot Me" by Edward Hopper 1818-1888 based on Ps.16:11. When it comes out Please remember me so I can buy one or two....I'll be praying for this "Progect" I am sure The Holy Spirit is already at work forming the "WHOLE THING"..God's Blessing to all. love, Becky Wold
Posted by: Rebecca Wold | July 19, 2010 4:04 AM
One of my all time favorite hymns is "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." It speaks so powerfully to that relationship we are blessed to have with our Lord. It would make a great addition to Maddie's project.
Posted by: Meliss | July 19, 2010 12:13 PM
