Hallock Hill
13 October 2008
The Innocence Mission, performing Africa 178, from The Sacred Harp. This modern interpretation is found on the second disk of the Awake My Soul soundtrack, called Help Me to Sing. Order from Other Music. This is a modern interpretation of the tradition, without the four-part harmony, but crushingly beautiful so stands as the first example I will offer.
178 Africa
Tune: William Billings, 1770
Words: Isaac Watts, 1709
Meter: Common Meter (8,6,8,6)
Now shall my inward joys arise,
And burst into a song;
Almighty love inspires my heart,
And pleasure tunes my tongue.
God, on His thirsty Zion’s hill,
Some mercy drops has thrown;
And solemn oaths have bound His love
To show’r salvation down.
Why do we then indulge our fears,
Suspicions and complaints?
Is He a God, and shall His grace
Grow weary of His saints?
Audio posted at 21:26 (Open permalink in new window)
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