Lift Every Voice and Sing

November 13, 2016 - Abyssinian Baptist Church - James Weldon Johnson (lyrics), James Rosamond Johnson (music) with introduction by Dr. Calvin Butts

[@akatress]

I am convinced that the Johnson Bros. prayed & fasted ahead of composing this hymn. Its weight is immeasurable. Stands the test of time. I am moved by tears each and every single time I hear, sing, and read it

[@gailwilliams2678]

In February of 1997, I taught this wonderful hymn to all the third graders at El Verano School in Sonoma, California, in honor of Black History Month. We were Caucasian and Hispanic, but we sang with vigor! I played the arrangement in the 1980 Episcopal Hymnal.

[@cletusjohnson6175]

Just as a novel with a protagonist identified as being from an ethnicity other than the reader, it is possible to find empathy with the main characters. So it it is with this hymn. I believe any thinking and humane person can find the hymn speakes to something in their history.

[@t.s.t.4085]

Rest in Peace Dear Reverend.

[@drucella5581]

This is OUR song/anthem. They not like us!!! ( They have stolen too much already).

[@idacampbell206]

Those that know the truth need to "STAND TOGETHER"

[@Chesterbarnes1]

The ORGANIST and the great Shantz ORGAN is excellent. The mighty Organ speaks in the sanctuary loudly and beautifully EXCELLENT. That great Organ makes the music of this church stand out.

[@keepingitrealandtruthful.5081]

She's brilliant organ player.

[@chasea.williams6025]

Absolutely

[@connellhunte]

The first time I sang this song was 1998 Christmas at a church in Hackensack NJ, at their old years night programming...was just memorable..

[@idacampbell206]

Those that know the truth need to STAND TOGETHER

[@wendynewton8337]

Beautiful. Been singing this since 7th grade chorus. Still know all the words. 60 years.

[@t.s.t.4085]

GEN X is a stealth force in knowing.

[@bevmccar2623]

THE LYRICS Lift every voice and sing Till earth and heaven ring Ring with the harmonies of Liberty Let our rejoicing rise High as the list’ning skies Let it resound loud as the rolling sea Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us Facing the rising sun of our new day begun Let us march on till victory is won Stony the road we trod Bitter the chast’ning rod Felt in the days when hope unborn had died Yet with a steady beat Have not our weary feet Come to the place for which our fathers sighed We have come over a way that with tears has been watered We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered Out from the gloomy past Till now we stand at last Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast. God of our weary years God of our silent tears Thou who hast brought us thus far on the way; Thou who hast by Thy might Led us into the light Keep us forever in the path we pray. Lest our feet stray from the places our God where we met Thee Lest our hearts drunk with the wine of the world we forget Thee Shadowed beneath Thy hand May we forever stand True to our God True to our native land.

[@amazitaanoff2972]

Praise our GOD

[@dixieestrem997]

A powerful song. Excellent worship.

[@leopallanck1787]

Wow! The lyrics are absolutely beautiful! I hope someday we can come to see each other as we really are: brothers and sisters.

[@odieford4612]

Bravo !

[@blp106]

So powerful . Every time I hear this anthem it brings tears to my eyes. So touching . Thanks to the Johnson clan , True brothers of our Bahamian Land 🙏🏽

[@ann3624]

Rest in peace, Reverend Butts.

[@darrell0517xx]

19 people need to experience the trials expressed in these words!!

[@davidphillips5961]

Thank you holy spirit for your sustaining comforting peace that comes listening to this your choir!

[@otakujay939]

I love this song it brings a tear to my eye

[@Shauna0829]

We all need this. What a beautiful gift this anthem is, and how very well this whole congregation sings it. Thank you.

[@gemmimms7846]

Such an inspiring song.

[@lucilledowming3420]

Corners temple Baptist church Savannah’s georgia

[@StaceyNelsonTVNetwork]

Hallelujah! ❤️💯🌪️⚡️

[@cassidymullin8856]

rest in peace mr truss

[@lucilledowming3420]

This is beautiful

[@t.s.t.4085]

Choir music, from the heart, from a community---will NEVER surpass the shine of popular culture. It doesn't matter how "perfect" anything is, because nothing, and NO one, is prefect.

[@marylougroll2078]

Beautiful

[@ADDAQUAYONTHEBLACKANDWHITEKEYS]

I love the Organist

[@scottvernon9413]

MAGNIFICIANT!!!!

[@gungagaolu8869]

Beautiful! Beautiful! Bravo Bravo Bravo.......

[@lucilledowming3420]

Connery temple Baptist church Savannah’s Georgia

[@dolliecannaday3531]

Always remember

[@Tr4v3ler]

Good sounding white choir. Next time let our Sisters sing our song with soul.

[@stephaniedykes4157]

Wonderful and powerful!

[@atum6]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@Univine]

If this isn't faith, I don't know what is.

[@syckindahead]

No double clap?🤔

[@edeightonm494]

Nice; but I think the tempo could have had a little more "gusto" given the Pastor's "charge" to sing to the glory of God. Coming to the end it sounded as though both choir and congregation were getting "tired."

[@anaescalante1922]

Pretty

[@chim7741]

Every attempt at this song sounds like a Christmas carol or roman Catholic choir

[@LayneBenofsky]

Maybe it's because they're in church?

[@chim7741]

@@LayneBenofsky I can see that! I guess Christmas & roman Catholic went over your head!

[@LayneBenofsky]

@@chim7741 I'm sure that felt like a dig to you... :D

[@chim7741]

@@LayneBenofsky No! The song has dark sinister feel to it. I've heard this preformed before many of times and was touched by the performance!

[@velmawilliams646]

This is my jam

[@jackarcher7495]

Maybe it should replace "The Star Spangled Banner" as our national anthem. The ACLU, though, would probably sue. Too much God talk in it.

[@drucella5581]

That's OUR song. They not like us!!!

[@oneilwalker751]

Hello few months ago I asked for the lyric of this song, someone left their number for me to WhatsApp them so they can send me the lyric, can that person send me back their number so I can contact them, please I really love this song