Road Tested Valley Songs: Peacemaking

A few Sundays ago I got to do four songs at church on the theme of peacemaking. Looking at your average church song list you could be forgiven for thinking that after saying "blessed are the peacemakers" Jesus said "what ever you do just don't write any songs about it". While hunting for songs on peacemaking, I was keen to avoid songs of the "Jesus gives me peace in my heart" variety. The four songs I chose were...

Down By the Riverside

D

I feel so bad in the morning,

                     A

I feel so bad in the middle of the day

  D                  G

I feel so bad in the evening,

       D                    G        A             D

That's why I'm going to the river to wash my sins away

(verse 1)

          D

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside,

A                      D

Down by the riverside, down by the riverside

                       

I'm gonna lay down my sword and shield, down by the riverside,

          A            D

I'm gonna study war no more

(chorus)

                G                                  D

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

                A            D                     G

I ain't a gonna study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

D                                  A            D

study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

(verse 2)

Well, I'm gonna meet with the prince of peace, down by the riverside (Oh)

Down by the riverside, down by the riverside

I'm gonna meet with the prince of peace, down by the riverside

I'm gonna study war no more

(chorus)

I ain't a gonna study war no more, study war no more

study war no m ore, study war no more

study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

(verse 3)

Well, I'm gonna feast with my enemy, (Where?) down by the riverside

Down by the riverside, down by the riverside

I'm gonna feast with my enemy, (A-ha) down by the riverside

I'm gonna study war no more

(chorus)

I ain't a gonna study war no more, study war no more

study war no more, study war no more

study war no more, I ain't a gonna study war no more

© Traditional – arrangement Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Prince of Peace

G  Bm7  C  C/D 

G  Bm7  C

C/D          G    Bm7  C

This is the moment

C/D             G        Bm7  C

This is the time to pause

C/D             G     G/B     C    D             G  C  G

This is the time to understand and think of peace

C/D            G   Bm7  C  

Who can we turn to?

C/D           G      Bm7           C  

Who can we ask to put things right?

C/D             G     G/B       C       

Is there someone above the fray?

  D               G  C

A Prince of Peace?

G                       D 

Someone speak of the Kingdom

C                        G  C

And not the warfare State

G                     D       

Someone talk of forgiveness

C

And not this tribal hate

G    C          D    

This flesh that bleeds

C/D          G     C          D

These bones, these bones that break

C/D         G    C          D

This heart, this heart that cries

           C/D            G/C  D  C/D

There is a Prince of Peace        (Start verse)

Lay down your weapons

Lay down these eons of distrust

Lay down revenge that never ends

Please make this peace

In the name of the Father

In the name of the Son who bore our shame

In the name of the Spirit

Let there be peace

CHORUS

© Copyright Paul Gioia, 2002

Do Unto Others (The Prayer)

Oh lord must I do unto others,

 before they do unto me

Must I arm myself to protect myself,

 from pain and misery

oh no that is not the lesson i learnt,

 upon my mothers knee

When she told me to do unto others,

 only as I would have them do unto me

© Y.M. Barnwell

Carry Us Over

C               G               Am

Jesus turn this wine back in to water

   C                 G            Am    

So we can quench our poor thirsty souls

     C                G                Am

This dessert's dry as hell and getting hotter

        C             G                 Am

And the truth is only your love makes us whole

   C                 G                       

So carry us over the finish line

               Dm                      F

we can see the end but our feet are so tired

     C             G              Am 

It's Obvious we're useless on our own

   C                 G                       

So carry us over the finish line

               Dm                      F

We can see the end but our feet are so tired

   C          G         Am   

We don't know how to be sober

   C           G   C

So Jesus Carry us over

But if this wait is gonna kill me

well kill me then and bring me home to you

But if my destiny’s amongst the heathen

Well time me to your rope and pull me through

                C    G  Am

We want to come home

                C    G  Am

We want to come home

                C    G  Dm  F

We want to come home

                C    G  C

We want to come home

© Kelli Schaefer

The lasts song isn't about peacemaking but about struggle. If we are going to seriously involved in any kind of peacemaking it will be a struggle.

Valley Songs: Reverend Vince Anderson

Every so often I make the mistake of thinking that my Valley Songs collection is a closed cannon. Then right under my nose I discovered the Reverend Vince Anderson. I say right under my nose because I've been listening to the Revolution sermon podcasts for the last year or so and Vince is the co-pastor and occasional sermon giver there. He's quite talented at the sermon thing so my assumption was his music wouldn't be all that great. I was wrong. Watch this...

Pretty friggin awesome right? and his sermons are great too. Listen to this Sermon by Vince about Exorcism.

Although I decided to start The Filthy Jesus Experiment before discovering Vince I am now even more inspired. He describes his music as "dirty gospel".

My other favourite YouTube video of his is a cover of Johnny Cash's "Water in to Wine" I love Johnny Cash but was never a fan of this song. Now, thanks to Vince, I am.

You can hear Vince talk about his music here an interview on Heritage Radio.

If you search through the Valley Songs Pages on the side bar of this blog you will find the lyrics and chords for these two songs.

Agents Of Future: Worship Music That Actually Rocks

Last week I downloaded a recent episode of Homebrewed Christianity. An episode on worship music. I was hesitant to listen, decent worship music is very rare to find. Interviewees Angie and Todd Fadel talked about the lack of honesty, lament and anguish in worship music, all good stuff but having a great theology of music and making great music can be two different things (still love you Brian!). Then there was a gap in the conversation and they played the first few bars of "Nothing In The Way". It gripped me and shook me. Todd plays piano line Pete Townsend plays guitar and the vocals were a cross between between Queen and Courtney Love; multiple tracks with vocal passion always trumping precision I'd heard it before, on triple j no less, but would never of picked it as "Worship Music". With that that I downloaded their album Sneak Peaks. It's great. You can listen to the whole thing at the bottom of this post or listen to it here. Best of all you can buy CD quality files for less than the cost of iTunes.

If you don't have the patience to listen to the whole podcast this you tube club is a good introduction.

Stream the "Agents Of Future" album "Sneak Peeks"

You can get more of their stuff from agentsoffuture.bandcamp.com

Carry Us Over - Valley Song

I've got a bad habit of constantly being on the look out for "worship music" the kind of songs you could sing in church. Every so often I get to introduce a new one to the church I hang out with, but lately I've been singing and playing Xn songs a lot and since I really just can't stand Xn songs of the Hill Song variety that kind of makes looking for those songs a whole lot harder. I recently, care of Homebrewed Christianity, came across The Agents of Future who I will post on later. They recommended Kelli Schaefer and I came across the song "Carry Us Over". I love it and can't stop playing it.

Here is a some what beautifully shambolic playing of the song - shambolic because it's very much anyone with an instrument can play and "the band" is not turned up loud enough to drown out anyone who isn't singing perfect pitch or clapping exactly in time. It's friggin' great.

If you want a nice studio recording of the song go here

And the chords and lyrics...

Carry Us Over

C G Am
Jesus turn this wine back in to water
C G Am
So we can quench our poor thirsty souls
C G Am
This dessert's dry as hell and getting hotter
C G Am
And the truth is only your love makes us whole

C G
So carry us over the finish line
Dm F
we can see the end but our feet are so tired
C G Am
It's Obvious we're useless on our own
C G
So carry us over the finish line
Dm F
We can see the end but our feet are so tired
C G Am
We don't know how to be sober
C G C
So Jesus Carry us over

But if this wait is gonna kill me
well kill me then and bring me home to you
But if my destiny’s amongst the heathen
Well tie me to your rope and pull me through

C G Am
We want to come home
C G Am
We want to come home
C G Dm F
We want to come home
C G C
We want to come home

© Kelli Schaefer

Oh and when there is no one else around she sounds like this...

Valley Songs - All Of Them

One of the more popular things I have done on this blog has been the Valley Songs. I've posted Now that blogger offers a page function I've added a whole page of my Valley Songs. At the moment it's just chords lyrics and some tab. I'll try and add videos to each songs eventually too. There's a link on the pages section of the side bar.

Three More Road Tested Valley Songs

Here are the final three songs that I've played with a congregation. Two old classics and One great unknown. The two classics ("swing low sweet chariot" and "in the sweet by and by") are of the "can't wait for God to whisk me up to heaven" variety if like me your theologically NT Wrightish on these issues I've written a post on why I still sing these songs even though they may not perfectly fit my theology. When I play these songs I like to play a song like "I will be your friend" I came across it on a kids CD to me it sounded like a song written right after reading Matthew 25. I wrote to Guy Davis's management to get permission to play it in church.

Swing low, Sweet Chariot

I (G)looked over Jordan and (C)what did I (G)see?
(G)Commin' for to carry me (D)home
(G)There was a band of angels, a-(C)commin' after (G)me
(G)Commin' for to (D)carry me (G)home

CHORUS
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home

I'm sometimes up, and I'm sometimes down
Comin' for to carry me home
But but I know my soul is heavenly bound
Comin' for to carry me home

CHORUS

If you get there before I do
Comin' for to carry me home
Tell all my friends that I'm a-comin' too
Comin' for to carry me home

Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
Swing low, sweet chariot
Commin' for to carry me home
And now they're commin' for to carry me home

© Traditional – Johnny Cash arrangement

In the Sweet By and By

(G)There's a land that is (C)fairer than (G)day
And by faith we can see it a(D7)far
For the (G)Father waits (C)over the (G)way
To prepare us a (D7)dwelling place (G)there

CHORUS
In the (D7)sweet by and by
We shall meet on that beautiful (G)shore
In the (G7)sweet by and (C)by
We shall (G)meet on that (D7)beautiful (G)shore

We shall sing on that beautiful shore
the melodious songs of the blest
And our spirits shall sorrow no more
not a sigh for the blessing of rest.

CHORUS

To our bountiful Father above
We will offer the tribute of praise
For the glorious gift of His love
and the blessings that hallow our days.


© Traditional – arrangement Mars Hill Band

I Will Be Your Friend — Guy Davis

(C)If you’ve got troubles And you need a helpin’ hand,
(F)If you’ve got troubles And you need a helpin’ (C)hand,
(Am7)If you’ve got (G7)troubles And you (C)need a helpin’ (F)hand,
Come to (C)me, I will (G)be your (C)friend.

CHORUS
(G)I will be your (C)friend,(C7) (F)I will be your (C)friend.
(Am7)If you’ve got (G7)troubles, And you (C)need a helpin’ (F)hand,
Come to (C)me, I will (G)be your (C)friend.

If you are hungry And you’ve got no place to stay,
If you are hungry And you’ve got no place to stay,
If you are hungry And you’ve got no place to stay,
Come to me, I will be your friend.

I will be your friend (oh Lordy!), I will be your friend.
If you are hungry And you’ve got no place to stay,
Come to me, I will be your friend.

If you are lonely And you’ve got nobody to love(have mercy!),
If you are lonely And you’ve got no one to love,
If you are lonely And you’ve got nobody to love,
Come to me, I will be your friend.

I will be your friend, I will be your friend.
If you are lonely And you need somebody to love,
Come to me, I will be your friend.

"I Will Be Your Friend"
Words & Music by Guy Davis

I play this in E. Most congregations can't sing as low as Guy.

The Joy of Gioia - Valley Songs

10 years ago I would have told you that congregational singing is a complete waste of time. Paul Gioia is the man who single handedly changed my mind about this. I've deliberately not included all of the song in the posts because Paul is a friend and it'd be great if he received some album and sheet music sales from this.

Why Do You Love Me?
Psalm 116

CHORUS
(F)Why do you love me (Bb)Even when I (C)hurt you?
(F)Why do you hold me (Bb)When I (C)cry?
(F)Why will you love me (Bb)Until the (C)end of (F)time? (Bb) (C)

(F)I… (Bb)love the (F)Lord… (Bb)for (F)he… has (Bb)heard my (C)voice
(Dm)I will (C7sus4)call on (F)him (Bb)as (F)long as (C)I (Dm)live (C7)
(F)Cords (Bb)of (F)death (Bb)en(F)tan…(Bb)gled (C)me
(Dm)I… (C7sus4)called on the (F)Lord: (Bb)Oh (F)Lord (C)save (F)me! (C7)

CHORUS

God has saved my soul from death
My feet from stumbling, my eyes from tears
That I may walk before the Lord
In the land of the living

CHORUS

How can I repay the Lord?
For all his goodness to me, to me.
I will honour my promise to God
Freed from my chains I’ll praise the Lord!

CHORUS

© Paul Gioia, 1986

Guitar Riff At The Start

F Bb C
----------15-13-------------------|-----------
-------13-------15-13-15-13-------|-15---17---
----14----------------------14----|-15---17---
-15----------------------------15-|-15---17---
----------------------------------|-13---15---
----------------------------------|-----------

No Turning Back

I have (C)decided to (F)follow (C)Jesus;
I have (F)decided to follow (C)Jesus;
I have (C)decided to (F)follow (Am)Jesus; (F)
No turning (C)back, (G)no turning (C)back.

Though I may stumble, I still will follow;
Though I may stumble, I still will follow;
Though I may stumble, I still will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

© Traditional – Paul Gioia arrangement

Other Songs of Paul's I've already posted are Face Of The Humbled Poor and Some Great Day.

Dreaming Of Singing These One Day - Valley Songs

As requested here are three more Valley Songs. These are all songs I've never tried with a congregation but would love to one day. "Hard Times" doesn't mention God as such but to my mind beautifully captures what it would be like for God's Kingdom to break out on Earth. I love playing "Get Right With God" on a slide and it's not to hard work out. The Church I'm at has a Sun rise Easter service and I always wanted to start it with the song "I'm Free".

Hard Times Come Again No More

Verse 1:
Let us [F]pause in life's pleasures
And [Bb]count its many [F]tears
[Bb]While we [F]all sup [C]sorrow [C7]with the [F]poor
There's a [F]song that will linger
For[Bb]ever [C]in our [Dm]ears;
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come a[C7]gain no [F]more

Chorus:
'Tis the [F]song, the sigh of the [Bb]wea[F]ry
[F]Hard times, [Bb]hard [F]times,
[G9]Come a[G7]gain no [C]more
[C7]Many [F]days you have [C7]ling[Cm]ered
[Bb]around my [C]cabin [Dm]door
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come [C7]again no [F]more

Verse 2:
While we [F]seek mirth and beauty
And [Bb]music light and [F]gay,
[Bb]There are [F]frail forms [C]fainting [C7]at the [F]door
Though their [F]voices are silent,
Their [Bb]pleading [C]looks will [Dm]say
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come a[C7]gain no [F]more

Verse 3:
There's [F]pale drooping maiden
Who [Bb]toils her life [F]away,
[Bb]With a [F]worn heart, whose [C]better [C7]days are [F]o'er
Though her [F]voice would be merry,
'tis [Bb]sighing [C]all the [Dm]day,
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come a[C7]gain no [F]more

Verse 4:
'Tis a [F]sigh that is wafted
A[Bb]cross the troubled [F]wave
[Bb]Tis a [F]wail that is [C]heard up[C7]on the [F]shore
Tis a [F]dirge that is murmured
A[Bb]round the [C]lowly [Dm]grave
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come [C7]again no [F]more

Ending:
'Tis the [F]song, the sigh of the [Bb]wea[F]ry
[F]Hard times, [Bb]hard [F]times,
[G9]Come a[G7]gain no [C]more
[C7]Many [F]days you have [C7]ling[Cm]ered
[Bb]around my [C]cabin [Dm]door
[Bb]Oh, [F]hard times, [C]come [C7]again no [Bb]more [F]

© Stepehen Foster

Get Right With God

G
I would risk the serpent's bite
I would dance around with seven
I would kiss the diamond back
If I knew it would get me to heaven

CHORUS
'Cause I (C)want to get right with (G)God
Yes, you (C)know you got to get right with (G)God

I would burn the soles of my feet
Burn the palms of both my hands
If I could learn and be complete
If I could walk righteously again

I would sleep on a bed of nails
'Till my back was torn and bleeding
In the deep darkness of Hell
The Damascus of my meeting

I asked God about his plan
To save us all from Satan's slaughter
If I give up one of my lambs
Will you take me as one of your daughters?

© Lucinda Williams

I'm Free

I'm (A)free
Praise the (D)Lord I'm (A)free
No longer (E)bound
No more (A)chains hol(D)ding (A)me
My soul is (D)resting
It's such a (A)blessing (D)I (A)see
Praise the Lord Halle(E)lujah I'm (A)free

© Traditional – arrangement Psalters

More Valley Songs

After Nathan Colquhoun's positive comments about my Valley Song collection I've been inspired to post some more songs. These are all road tested so enjoy.

Ain’t No Grave

CHORUS
There Ain’t no (G 8 bars)grave gonna hold my body down
There ain’t no (C 8 bars)grave gonna hold my body down (G)
When I hear the trumpet sound
Get up outa the ground
There ain’t no (D 8 bars)grave gonna hold my body down (G)

VERSE (G)
The Lord Himself from heaven
Descending with a shout
O glory Hallelujah
From the grave He'll call me out
Meet me Jesus meet me
Meet me in the middle of the air
When I go I'll sing and shout
For I'll be welcome there

© Traditional – arrangement Fret Not

I Saw The Light

I (A)wandered so aimless my heart filled with sin
(D)I wouldn't let my (A)dear Saviour in
(D)Then Jesus came like a stranger in the night
(A)Praise the Lord (E)I saw the (A)light

CHORUS
(A)I saw the light I saw the light
(D)No more darkness (A)no more night
(D)Now I'm so happy no sorrow in sight
(A)Praise the Lord (E)I saw the (A)light

Just like a blind man I wandered alone
Worries and fears I claimed for my own
Then like the blind man that God gave back his sight
Praise the Lord I saw the light

I was a fool to wander and astray
Straight is the gate and narrow the way
Now I have traded the wrong for the right
Praise the lord I saw the light

© Hank Williams – arrangement Dave Crowder

I want Jesus to walk with me

I want (Dm)Jesus to (A7)walk with (Dm)me
I want (F)Jesus to walk with (A7)me
All (Dm)along my pilgrim journey
I want (Dm)Jesus to (A7)walk with (Dm)me

In my trial, Lord, walk with me
In my trials, Lord, walk with me
When the shades of life are falling
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

In my sorrow, Lord walk with me
In my sorrows, Lord walk with me
When my heart is aching
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

In my troubles, Lord walk with me
In my troubles, Lord walk with me
When my life becomes a burden,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me

© Traditional – arrangement Mars Hill Band

Running AMUC With Music - Valley Songs

Due to some strange lack of better judgment I was asked to lead worship this year at AMUC. It is only once I said yes I realised it's something I don't really have much experience in. So like any beginner I severely over prepared thinking 5 songs a day repeat each song that's 10 songs for the 4 sessions I originally prepared to play these songs... As the week went on I shrunk my list. After realising not everyone will be fully into singing songs they don't know after late nights of serving those in need in inner city Perth.

Be Thou My Vision (in E)

Intro\Outro: Csus4 C
(C)Be Thou my (Am)vision, O (F)Lord of (G)my (C)heart.
(G)Naught be all (C)else to me (F)save that Thou (Em)art.
(F)Thou my best (Em)thought, by (C)day or by (F)night,
(Am)waking or (Em)sleeping,
Thy (F)presence (G)my (C)light.

Be thou my wisdom and thou my true word
I ever with you and you with me, lord
You’re my great father and I’m your true son
You in me dwelling, and i with you one

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou my inheritance, now and always.
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.

High king of heaven, my victory won
May I reach heaven’s joys, o bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall
Still be my vision, o ruler of all

Face Of The Humbled Poor
Mat. 25:31-46

Behold the (Em)Son (D)of (G)Man
With all His (Am)an(Em)gels gathered (F)‘round (C)Him
Behold the (Em)host of (D)nations (C)‘round his (D)burning (C)throne (D)
The King will (Em)reign (D)with (G)might
And He will (Am)shake their (Em)souls from (F)left to (C)right
The King will (Em)choose them (D)one by (C)one and (G)then they’ll (D)cry

(Am)When did we (C)see you a (G)broken (D)man
(Am)Lying be(C)side a cell (G)door?
When did we (Em)meet your (C)eyes
And not (G)recog(D)nise
The (Cmaj7)Saviour’s face in the (D)humbled (Em)poor? (D) (Em) (D)

I am a refugee
I am a captive child, a detainee
I pace from wall to wall with a broken heart help me.
I am the Holy One
I am the Kings of Kings, the conquering Son,
And there will come a time when my Kingdom comes to you

© Paul Gioia

Picture of Jesus

It (G)hangs above my altar
Like they (C)hung him from a (G)cross
I keep one in my wallet
For the (D)times that I feel (G)lost
In a wooden frame with splinters
Where my (C)family kneels to (G)pray
And if you listen real close
You'll hear the (D)words he used to (G)say

(G)I've got a picture of (C)Je(G)sus
In His arms my prayers (D)rest
(G)I've got a picture of (C)Je(Eb)sus
And (G)with Him we shall (D)be for(C)ever (G)blessed

Now it has been spoken
He would come again
But would we recognize
This king among men
There was a man in our time
His words shine bright like the sun
He tried to lift the masses
And was crucified by gun

He was a picture of Jesus
With him so many prayers rest
He is a picture of Jesus
With him we shall be forever blessed

Some days have no beginning
And some days have no end
Some roads are straight and narrow
And some roads only bend
So let us say a prayer
For every living thing
Walking towards a light
From the cross of a king

We long to be a picture of Jesus
In his arms so many prayers rest
I long to be a picture of Jesus
With him we shall be forever blessed

© Ben Harper

Corrupting Christmas Music - Valley Songs

If you dislike regular Christmas carols as much as I do here's some alternatives. I got to inflict three of these songs on my church.

Mary had a baby

The version I used was by Fret Not and can be downloaded from here.

Mary Had A Baby

E A E
Mary had a baby - Yes Lord -
E A E
Mary had a baby - Yes my Lord -
E A E
Mary had a baby - Yes Lord -

E B E
People keep a-coming - But the train done gone

E A E
Where did she lay Him - Yes Lord -
E A E
Laid Him in a manger - Yes my Lord -
E A E
Wrapped Him in swaddling - Yes Lord -

E B E
People keep a-coming - But the train done gone

Star kept a-shining - Yes Lord -
Moving in the elements - Yes my Lord -
Stood above the stable - Yes Lord

People keep a-coming - But the train done gone

What did she name Him - Yes Lord -
Named Him Jesus - Yes my Lord -
Wonderful Councelor - Yes Lord

People keep a-coming - But the train done gone

Mary had a baby
Mary had a baby - Yes my Lord -
Mary had a baby - Yes Lord -

People keep a-coming - But the train done gone
People keep a-coming - But the train done gone

Everywhere I go

Everywhere I go

When the (Cm)Lord came down to set us free from sin
Somebody's talking about (Gm)Jesus(Cm)
He was born as a baby in Bethlehem
Somebody's talking about (Gm)Jesus(Cm)
At the door of the inn they turned his mother away
Somebody's talking about (Gm)Jesus(Cm)
When her son stands a-knocking will you do the same?
Somebody's talking about (Gm)Jesus(Cm)

Everywhere I (Cm)go -
Everywhere I go, my children -
Everywhere I go -
Somebody's talking about (Gm)Jesus(Cm)

God called the shepherds and the wise men too
(Somebody's talking about Jesus)
They didn't waste no time when they heard the news
(Somebody's talking about Jesus)
They followed the star to where the baby lay
(Somebody's talking about Jesus)
Singing glory hallelujah it's a brand new day
(Somebody's talking about Jesus)

CHORUS
CHORUS
Somebody's talking about Jesus

© Traditional – arrangement Fret Not

God rest ye merry gentlemen

The version I played was in a slightly higher key and used traditional lyrics instead David bazans beautifully melancholic lyrics. David is doing some groovy chord inversion in the chorus I'm fairly sure I've got the chords right.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
(Capo on 3rd Frett)

God (Am)rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let (F)nothing you dis(Em)may
Re(Am)member, Christ, our Saviour
Was (F)born on Christmas (Em)day
To (Dm)save us all from (C)Satan's power
When (F)we were gone as(Bb*)tray
O (Am)tidings of (E7)comfort and (C)joy,
Comfort and (F)joy
O (Am)tidings of (E7)comfort and (Am)joy

From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Saviour lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy time of Christmas
God's great gift of grace.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

Bb*
-0-
-6-
-7-
-8-
-8-
-x-

© Traditional – Arrangement David Bazan

Valley Songs: The Light From The Lighthouse

This is a gospel classic that I first heard via the Token's Radio Show. There are many different versions many of which take verse lyrics from other songs. So, in that tradition I've written my own verses 2 and 3.

The Light from the Lighthouse

Chorus.
Let it (Bb)Shine, let it (Eb)shine (Bb)on
Let the light from the lighthouse (F)shine on me
Let it (Bb)Shine, let it (Eb)shine (Bb)on
Let the light from the lighthouse (F)shine on (Bb)me

1. Oh, my (Bb)Lord done just (Eb)what he (Bb)said
Let the light from the lighthouse (F)shine on me
He (Bb)healed the sick and he (Eb)raised the (Bb)dead
Let the light from the lighthouse (F)shine on (Bb)me

CHORUS

2. The Lord has brought good news to the poor
Let your light from the lighthouse shine on me,
He freed the oppressed and opened the prison door
Let your light from the lighthouse shine on me,

CHORUS

3. I’m gonna love justice, I’m gonna do mercy
Let the light from the lighthouse shine on me
I’m gonna walk with God, gonna walk humbly
Let the light from the lighthouse shine on me

CHORUS

Valley Songs: Some Great Day - Paul Gioia

Twice in the last month or so I've got to play some valley songs with Paul Gioia. Paul was the man who showed me that congregational singing could be enjoyable. He has lots of great songs but my favourite is probably still Some Great Day. Paul plays it in G but the singers I play with prefer it in E so the chords are in E but the stream is in G. If you like the song you can buy the CD and music book from the Shower of Grace website.

Some Great Day (Isaiah 58)

1. Shout a(E)loud. Tell my (E)people
My (B7)lips are (E)sealed
While they (C#m)look for me (B7)day after (E)day (G#7)
Cryin’ (C#m)Lord, Oh (B)Lord, Oh (A)Lord, Oh (E)Lord
(E)Looking for me (B7)day after (E)day.

2. Yes, they ask me for wisdom
They fast for a day
But my heart cries out to the poor
While you fast one day, one day, one day
My heart cries out to the poor. Oh...

Chorus
(E)Some (A)day
Lord, on (E)some great (A)day
A (E)light will shine
(A6)Night will turn to (B)day,
Oh...
(E)Some (A)day
Lord, on (E)some great (A)day
A (E)light will shine
(A)Night will (B7)turn to (E)day. (B)

3. Loose the chains of injustice
The poor, set them free
Then the Lord will say “Here am I”
Then your light will shine, will shine like the dawn
The Lord will say “Here am I”. Oh...

CHORUS

4. Fight the yoke of oppression
Love the poor
Then you’ll find your joy in the Lord
Finding joy, Oh joy, Oh joy, Oh joy
You’ll find your joy in the Lord. Oh...

Chorus 2
Some day Lord, on some great day
The only tears we’ll cry
Are tears of joy, Oh... Some day
Lord, on some great day
The only tears we’ll cry
Are tears of joy.

© Copyright Paul Gioia 2001

Valley Songs: Down to the River to Pray

The last two times I’ve been to church (at different churches) I’ve got to sing and play this song and it’s great to sing in a large group. Made most famous by it’s appearance in the film Brother Where Art Thou I’ve changed the words slightly to include some beatitudes. The first time I played it was with the ridiculously talented Paul Gioia. Always a blessing and a curse playing with him. You get to see how much potential music has but you get to realise how much you have to learn.

Here's Alison Krauss singing it...

Down to the River to Pray
(Beatitudes Version)

As I went (E)down to the river to pray, (B)Studying about that (E)good old way
And (E)who shall wear the robe and crown, Good (B)Lord, (A)show me the (E)way
(B)O, sisters, (E)let's go down, (A)let's go down, come on (E)down,
(B)O, sisters, (E)let's go down, (A)Down to the river to (E)pray

(other verses identical pattern)

As I went down to the river to pray, Studying about that good old way
And how the poor shall wear a crown, Good Lord, show me the way
O, brothers, let's go down, let's go down, come on down,
O, brothers, let's go down, Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray, Studying about that good old way
And how the meek shall wear a crown, Good Lord, show me the way
O, fathers, let's go down, Let's go down, come on down,
O, fathers, let's go down, Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray, Studying about the good old way
And the merciful who'll wear a crown, Good Lord, show me the way
O, mothers, let's go down, Let's go down, come on down,
O, mothers, let's go down, Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray, Studying about the good old way
And the peacemakers who'll wear a crown, Good Lord, show me the way
O, sinners, let's go down, Let's go down, come on down,
O, sinners, let's go down, Down to the river to pray

As I went down to the river to pray, Studying about the good old way
And the pure in heart who'll wear a crown , Good Lord, show me the way

© Traditional - Beatitude additions Chris Summerfield

Valley Songs: Troublesome Waters - Johnny Cash

This is not a particularly well known Johnny Cash song, in fact I believe it was written by his mother in law. I am yet to try this in a congregational setting but I suspect it would work, it's singable and the lyrics are great. We don't have enough songs about the toughness of life and this one does it really well.

Troublesome waters

(C)Troublesome waters much (F/C)blacker than (C)night
Are hiding from (Am)view of the harbor's bright lights
Tossed in the (C)turmoil of (F/C)life's stormy (C)sea
I cry to my (Am)Saviour have (G)mercy on (C)me
Then (F)gently I'm feeling the touch of his (C)hands
guiding my (Am)boat in (G)safely to (C)land
(C)Leading the way to (F/C)heaven's bright (C)shore
Troublesome (Am)waters I'm (G)fearing no (C)more

Troublesome waters around me do roll
they're rocking my boat and racking my soul
Loved ones are drifting and living in sin
the treacherous whirlpools are pulling them in
Then gently I'm feeling the touch of his hands
guiding my boat in safely to land
Leading the way to heaven's bright shore
Troublesome waters I'm fearing no more

When troublesome waters are rolling so high
I'll lift up my voice and to heaven I'll cry
My Lord I am trusting give guidance to me
and steady my boat on life's troubled sea
Then gently I'm feeling the touch of his hands
guiding my boat in safely to land
Leading the way to heaven's bright shore
Troublesome waters I'm fearing no more (x2)

© Carter Family – Johnny Cash arrangement

Valley Songs: Oh Mary Don't You Weep

This song I first heard on the Tokens Radio Show. You can buy just one of their shows from Noisetrade. Why they haven't been selling Mp3s from the show was completely beyond me and got me writing and requesting just that. I'm told that very soon they'll be selling MP3s from their website. This is a song I've done a number of times in a church setting and it's great fun. Their are many variations on the lyrics, I tend to stick with just the story of Moses. Enjoy...

Mary*, don't you weep

(Em)If I could I (B)surely would
Stand on the rock where (Em)Moses stood.
(Am)Pharoah's army got (Em)drownded
(B)Oh Mary don't you (Em)weep.

CHORUS

(Em)Oh Mary, don't you (B)weep, no more
Oh Mary, don't you (Em)weep, no more
(Am)Pharoah's army got (Em)drownded
Oh Mary (B)don't you (Em)weep.

Moses stood on the red sea shore
Smotin' the water with a two by four.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

God told Moses what to do
To lead the Hebrew children through.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

One of these nights about 12 o' clock
This old worlds going to reel and rock.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

--- Other Lyrics ---

Mary wore three links of chain
On every link was Jesus' name.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

Brothers and Sisters don't you cry
There'll be good times by and by
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

Well God gave Noah the rainbow sign
Said no more water, but fire next time.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

The very moment I thought I was lost
The dungeon shook and the chains fell off.
Pharoah's army got drownded, Oh Mary don't you weep.

*Mary of Bethany John 11:32-33
© Traditional – Siani Mountain Boys arrangement