We Have Not Been Abandoned
by @kadmad202
Liner Notes
#firstfruits #reflective #singersongwriter
Tomorrow is my birthday (the 7th), so every FAWM, I turn a year older. As the years have piled up, I've notice two things: 1. I'm more reflective and sentimental than I was the year before, and 2. the vocal chords are thinning out (as is just about every other thing except my hair, thankfully, and my waist, unfortunately). What fun...
Slow start this year. I've been in a funk with all the chaos and uncertainty in the country, along with everyone else, I imagine. This song came from a snippet I read in a wonderful devotional/prayerbook called Every Moment Holy. The idea/reality of not being abandoned by God is a wonderful thing, especially in these trying times. The little motif at the end is the beginning to "Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah" (or My Great Redeemer in other versions).
Lyrics
It’s hard to let a dream go by - It’s hard to see it fade away A dream of decency and peace - A dream that’s been for now betrayed
Even though we’re in a barren land, We have not been abandoned
There might be tears of great despair - And sadness for what should have been A shaking head and worried brow - A feeling of unease within
Even though we’re in a barren land, We have not been abandoned
BRIDGE Many came before us who faced the deepest trouble And somehow found the pathway through when life became a struggle They knew where courage could be found, when faith was sorely pressed Where tender arms were waiting, and where hearts could surely rest
The night is long, the road is dark - And sunrise seems so far away But God can see with clearer eyes - And God can move in wiser ways
And even though we’re in a barren land, We have not been abandoned
Comments
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I like this way of taking a beautiful Biblical passage and putting yourself right in the middle of it. I found myself thinking that if it were my song, I might shift that word THOUGH as the song progressed, to become first IF and then WHEN, as this very soft way to leave space open for God - a version of "Thy Will Be Done." When I travel, I often start by praying the Catholic table blessing I know from my Babysitter's house. "Bless us oh, Lord, and these thy gifts which we are about to receive through they bounty." It's a way to remind myself that I may not appreciate what comes - maybe it's anxiety and danger and who knows what all else, but maybe all those things are also gifts...And maybe this place that might feel so barren to me, is exactly the garden God means me to walk in and tend....
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A song for our unfortunate times. Simple, powerful delivery without being overpowering. Well done.
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Beautiful voice and melody! I really like the lyrics too. Great job!
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The bridge is the hope that I need. The gentleness of the despair in this lyric/melody is lovely. And I love the melody overall. (Also love the phrase "God can move in wiser ways.)
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Thanks for this tender and honest confessional song, and the hope it brings, friend. I like how you shift lyrically in the bridge to look back at the examples of others in the past. A gem, this. And you ❤️
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I am not a person of religious faith, though I do believe in the spirit of humanity and this world. Thanks for this reminder of optimism and hopefulness - it's like an embrace in a quiet room. lovely.
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This would be perfect for a quiet moment in a musical, a moment of reflection and taking heart, on a dark stage in a single spotlight. I like the sonic coherence of 'land' and 'abandoned'. The two lines that begin 'The night is long...' are poetic, comforting, and true: a perfect couplet: saying 'wiser ways' is a big improvement over the the time-worn 'mysterious ways'. Nice harmonic changes and a beautiful melody.
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Happy Birthday!!! Your voice is very comforting and calming. Im gonna use this whenever Im stressed, so soothing.
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🎂 Happy Birthday, Deb!!
Your song speaks to my heart as usual. I'm off to a slowish start, too much turbulence to focus well. This piece is a balm. Many thanks!
Ending with the the familiar melody is a genius lagniappe.
![[FAWM]](/static/img/demoduck.svg)
This is absolutely beautiful and timely and relevant. I love the gentle compassionate and supportive perspective you bring to today’s situation. Gorgeous music and vocals.