epiphany

The Drinking Song

I've been fiddling with this song for quite a while and finally recorded it today. (Special thanks to Mom for the new mic and preamp.) It's something of a maritime tune in the call and response style. For examples, check out Great Big Sea's recordings of "Excursion around the Bay" and "General Taylor."

Enjoy. :-)

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The Drinking Song

Response:

Those walking in darkness have seen a great light,
The cracking of dawn and the breaking of night;
In the valley of shadows the daystar descends:
The kingdom of death dies away, and the morning begins!

Call:

Come weak, and come weary, come lonely and sad,
Come drink of my ale; let my wine make you glad;
Come, drown all your sorrows and no longer weep:
The drinks are on me, so drink hard and drink deep!

All you who are fainting I fain would entice:
Buy milk without money; buy bread without price.
I’ve honey and lamb for my comrades to eat,
And never you’ve tasted such glorious meat.

Come, you who would hunger for righteousness sake,
Come join in my meal, of my body partake.
My blood is the wine, and the wine—it tastes good;
My flesh is the bread, and it’s heavenly food!

Come you who would protest, who feed upon strife:
Lay down empty rage, even lay down your life.
Come, lay down your weapons and join in the feast;
Find room at the table with those who make peace.

Give ear all you blind men, who claim to be just:
The works of your hands are but sewage and rust.
And you who would labor your ranking to raise:
The work I require is a heart filled with praise.

You fools who would mock me, despising my kin,
Your proud unbelief is unpardonable sin.
But blessed are they who your cruelty have borne:
They’ll drink with me while you in agony mourn!

Posted by jonhanneman at January 1, 2006 5:54 PM | TrackBack