One of the best memories I have of my Dad was him playing the bango and the piano. This is a song he played and sang all of my youth. I found it by accident looking for the story about the Blues Musicians at the White House last night, and President Obama singing. I think I thought my Dad made this song up!
A comment on the post was delightful, and perfect for the day after Mardi Gras, first day of Lent:
- Reminds me of the story where the preacher ended his sermon saying, "I'm going to get the mayor to close every bar in town, take all the whiskey and dump it in the river. Now all rise for our last hymn." To which the choirmaster said, "Our last hymn today will be "Shall We Gather at the River."
This song is a renewal of our baptism and rebirth. So as I begin a new journey, and continue on my caregiving journey, I say bless everyone today on Ash Wednesday and on your next 40 day journey.
Lyrics:
Shall we gather at the river,
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.
Refrain
Soon we'll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
Refrain
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.
Where bright angel feet have trod,
With its crystal tide forever
Flowing by the throne of God?
Refrain
Yes, we'll gather at the river,
The beautiful, the beautiful river;
Gather with the saints at the river
That flows by the throne of God.
On the margin of the river,
Washing up its silver spray,
We will talk and worship ever,
All the happy golden day.
Refrain
Soon we'll reach the silver river,
Soon our pilgrimage will cease;
Soon our happy hearts will quiver
With the melody of peace.
Refrain
Ere we reach the shining river,
Lay we every burden down;
Grace our spirits will deliver,
And provide a robe and crown.
Wishing you a blessed Lent of renewal and healing.
ReplyDeleteLove you, Kathy
The same to you Kathy!
DeleteGot my ashes . Father Maria really laid some on my forehead!! I even shared some of them with two ladies at the Senior Center who were not able to get ashes today.
DeleteGreat Mary! I did as well. You are starting to take care of all of central Vermont over there! I thought the first song here reminding me of that group you posted of the ladies from the 30's...I can't recall their name. I thought of you as I posted it.
DeleteTwo perfect songs. If they are going to be serving holy whiskey, I'll gather at the river, too! By the way, if you don't like my peaches, don't shake my tree! Love it.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all on Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent. Peace and love.
Ah....great comment Singing Bear!
DeleteI was born in England, I was raised in France...
DeleteI was born in Alabama, I was raised in Tennessee...lol
hi I was elected to go with Jimmie to his bango lessons once a week. we rode the streetcar it was on 1st ave.someplace and there was a theater up the street. one week we used the lesson money and went to the show. we were scared to death,but Momma swallowed our story whatever it was. I think she always knew. our piano teacher came to the house. small things can trigger a memory. love
ReplyDelete(This note from my Dad's big sister. Both of my parents and her mom died way too young!) A lovely memory I never knew. So it encourages me not to give up on the blog. I have grown already on my 40 day journey!
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