Gospel Songs based on the Major Prophets

GOSPEL SONGS from the Major Prophets

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THE GREAT SPECKLED BIRD

THIS GOSPEL SONG is based on Jeremiah 12:9. The "speckled bird" is the Church, upon whose wings the Christian is carried to Heaven. There are many recordings of this song, including by Country great, Johnny Cash. Go here.

1.What a beautiful thought I am thinking
Concerning a great speckled bird
And to know that my name is recorded
On the pages of God's Holy Word.

4. Desiring to lower her standard
They watch every move that she makes
They long to find fault with her teachings
But really she makes no mistakes.

7. I am glad I have learned of her meekness
I am proud that my name is on her book
For I want to be one never fearing
The face of my Savior to look.

8. And when He cometh descending from heaven
On the cloud that He writes in His Word
I'll be joyfully carried to meet Him
On the wings of that great speckled bird.

GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS

This famous hymn is based on two texts, including Lamentations 3:22-24 and James 1:17. There are many versions on youtube but this has lyrics.

THERE IS A BALM IN GILEAD

This famous spiritual is sung here in New Age style by Deborah Liv Johnson. A more powerful Gospel reading is given by Mahalia Jackson, also on youtube. Note how deeply Jackson goes into the song, singing slightly different lyrics. The song is based on JEREMIAH 8:22, but with a Christian twist. Jeremiah mockingly asks his Jewish countrymen who rely on other nations, "Why can't you find a cure in Gilead?" The Christian answers, there is a balm, but it comes from Jesus, not the people of Gilead.

There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul. Sometimes I feel discouraged and think my work's in vain, but then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul. Don't ever feel discouraged for Jesus is your friend, and if you lack for knowledge he'll ne'er refuse to lend. There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole, there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sinsick soul.

SWING LOW, SWEET CHARIOT

This song is based on Ezekiel's chariot vision in chapter 1 of Ezekiel. As usual with Gospel songs, the original source is only loosely used. The song, like most Gospel songs, blends several source texts in an individual style; here the writer is also thinking of Elijah's "chariot of fire" in 2 Kings 2:11. This song should not be confused with an even more famous Spiritual, "Swing Down, Sweet Chariot," more closely related to the Elijah motif. Elvis Presley recorded the song in a wonderful arrangement, influenced by a previous Black record. Go here. He later recorded the song again, in a more popular vein for the film, The Trouble with Girls, here.
Well, well, well, well
I looked over yonder and what I see seems like a chariot coming after me
Swing low, sweet chariot, coming to carry me home

Why don't you swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord, calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Swing, swing, swing
Well, Ezekiel was out in the middle of the field
He said he saw an angel with a chariot wheel
He wasn't too particular about the chariot wheel
He just wanted to see how a chariot feels

Why don't you swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord, calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Swing, swing, swing, swing, swing, swing
Well, Ezekiel went down and he got on board
The chariot went bumping on down the road
Zeke wasn't particular about the bumpin' of the road
He just wanted to lay down his heavy load

Why don't you swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord, calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

Well, I got a Father in the Promised Land
And I ain't stopping till I shake His hand
Rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord, calm and easy
I got a home on the other side

Swing down, sweet chariot, stop and let me ride
Swing down chariot, stop and let me ride
Rock me, Lord, rock me, Lord, calm and easy
I've got a home on the other side

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