This song always struck me as fun. Up-tempo and just plain fun. A nice one to set the pace for the album. Listen for the guitar licks between verses, as well as Ben’s rocking guitar solo. |
Comfort, and joy |
The progression from nature to King in a cosmic game of “telephone” – wind tells lamb, who tells boy, who tells king, who tells everybody. Makes me wonder what the parallels are in life, how God talks to us. Andy came up with a cool guitar riff to change keys for the last verse. Give it a shot. |
A voice as big as the sea |
This lullaby is kind of funny. Bad theology – “no crying he makes” isn’t biblical, Jesus came into a suffering world and suffered with us (see “What Child is This” below). It’s also overly-sentimental – contemplating the the Lord as a helpless baby. But the child-like faith and desire in the lyrics of this song somehow get under my radar. It’s that third verse that gets me. Be near me…stay close by me…and fit us for heaven. The longings of the soul. To know God and enjoy him forever. Ben’s guitar intertwined with Steve’s trumpet in the bridge stand proxy for the barnyard animals serenading this kid in their feeding trough. Adam’s piano solo in the outro celebrates Jesus’ birth with a happy Wurli-groove. |
Fit us for heaven |
This song just cries out to rock, gospel-style. Clapping is mandatory, but be sure to BYOT(ambourine). |
Over hills, everywhere |
Angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold. Very cool visual. All of creation getting in on the party. That moment in history where everybody in the universe is watching. The call to rest beside the weary road to hear the balm of the angels singing. Listen for Ryan’s mandolin throughout, Adam’s textures on the Wurli, and Steve’s beautiful trumpet solo. Jeff’s percussion on this one is called a cajon. It gives the piece a nice steady groove without overpowering it. |
Rest beside the weary road |
This has been one of the most popular songs for a long time. I always related to the kid, which is why I think it’s so popular. I see it this way: the kid is a world-class drummer, but he’s from a small town, so he doesn’t really know it for sure. He’s been encouraged all his short life that he’s great and he knows he’s been given a very special gift, because he loves to play. Now he gets a chance to play for his Lord in the flesh. This is not just a once-in-a-lifetime chance for a talented kid. This is that moment we each look forward to – the moment when we get to play for God, face-to-face. We get the chance to play for him every day, but this is different. This is in the flesh. Gotta keep practicing. Keep playing. Keep rejoicing in the gifts we’ve been given. Thanks to Jeff for providing solid drums to guide us through this song. |
He smiled at me |
The hopes and fears of all the years, met in Jesus. Thanks to Adam for laying down that beautiful groove on the Wurli. Brings into focus the angels’ watch of wondering love. |
Met in Thee tonight |
I’ve always felt like I’ve been both chasing and chased by God. He is the only context where my suffering life makes sense. I’m grateful to True Mad North for joining me on vocals, mandolin, and guitar. |
Get it straight |
Greensleeves – the music that this has been traditionally put to – is one of the most beautiful pieces, and my favorite Christmas song. The lyrics always seemed threatening. Someone questioning: what child is this? Who does he think he is? The reference to the end of his life – nails, spears shall pierce him through, the cross be borne for me, for you. The life laid out for this kid, this GOD-baby, is going to be brutishly cut short. All for the purpose of saving his creation. I find beauty in the brutishness of it. Worshiping the Lord, at his birth, in light of the last five hours of his life. Turn it WAY up and listen while Wil makes that organ bleed like Jesus. |
Nails. Spears. |
Happy Birthday Jesus! Let’s dance and play air guitar. Thanks to Pauli Gray for his vocals and guitar, as well as Ben for that screaming solo. Please note: do not listen to this while driving – you’ll get a speeding ticket. But, turn it all the way up and pull out the air guitar. If it doesn’t make you smile, you’re not singing loud enough. |
Let us sing alleluia |
