I’ve had another go at writing a new tune to classic Salvation Army Song Book words. This time, Except I Am Moved with Compassion.
Please have a listen, and let me know what you think.
I’m thinking that this is just a draft, and that I’d like to develop it, either by taking a verse out and writing a bridge, or somehow else building during the song differently. In the mean time though, it kinda works as a “chill-out” version of the song.
Hope you like it!
Except I Am Moved (demo) by salvokat
The Saviour of men (Except I am moved) – SASB 527
The Saviour of men came to seek and to save
The souls who were lost to the good;
His Spirit was moved for the world which he loved
With the boundless compassion of God.
And still there are fields where the labourers are few,
And still there are souls without bread,
And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,
And still straying sheep to be led.
Chorus
Except I am moved with compassion,
How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?
In word and in deed
Burning love is my need;
I now know I can find it in thee.
O is not the Christ ‘midst the crowd of today
Whose questioning cries do not cease?
And will he not show to the hearts that would know
The things that belong to their peace?
But how shall they hear if the preacher forbear
Or lack in compassionate zeal?
Or how shall hearts move with the Master’s own love,
Without his anointing and seal?
It is not with might to establish the right,
Nor yet with the wise to give rest;
The mind cannot show what the heart longs to know
Nor comfort a people distressed.
O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again,
And grant that thy servant may be
Intense every day, as I labour and pray,
Both instant and constant for thee.
Hey … beautiful voice … I love these words … and I like the melody … but (and honestly I think you have a real talent/gift) those words don’t seem ‘laid back’ to me … but maybe it’s just me. I guess if you’re in a reflective mood, sort of as you’re drifting off to sleep thinking about these words they would go … but you just sang “intense every day” “labour and pray” … I guess from a critical perspective there seems to be a disconnect. I’m not really usually a critical person – and I really did like your voice and the recording – but that was one thing that stood out for me. I do like the idea of taking old words and putting them to new music and I’d encourage you to keep on singing and writing! Feel free to disregard this comment
Posted by Alison Moore | February 7, 2011, 7:21 amThanks for your encouragement Alison!
To be honest, I wasn’t really going for a laid-back feel originally – it just kind of happened that way because of the limitations of using Garageband to get it down in some way.
I’ve had a friend help me look at it, and we’re hoping to update it properly, and make it slightly more “epic” especially in that line you talk about “intense every day” – I feel the same!
Don’t apologise for your words – they’re really helpful! Thanks for listening!
Many blessings!
Posted by salvokat | August 19, 2011, 3:16 pmThis chorus popped into my head this morning and I was having a hard time remembering the words. Instead of looking it up in the songbook, I decided to just google it and found your version. It is beautiful. I think updating the music on some of the songs of the songbook is a wonderful idea. I think it helps to bridge the gap between those who love the new songs and those who love the traditional hymns. Keep up the good work.
Posted by Paula Koch | April 22, 2011, 2:11 amThanks for your encouragement Paula – I’m glad you found what you were looking for
I’m only one of many who are working to update some of these songs – it’s a beautiful way to honour the lyrics and offer them to a new generation.
Blessings to you!
Posted by salvokat | August 19, 2011, 3:13 pmI love the traditional version, and I love your work as well, it is meditative and frech.
It helped my contenplation.
Alan
Posted by Alan Brennan | May 17, 2011, 2:49 pmThe prompts on this site are a little missleading. This is my 3rd try at leaving a comment. The 1st one was glowing , the 2nd was a little shorter, now for the 3rd.
I loved it, the origional is a favorite, and your work is good for contenplation.
10/10
Alan
Posted by Alan Brennan | May 17, 2011, 2:53 pmSorry for the confusion Alan – thanks for persevering to add your encouragement – a blessing to me.
Thanks again!
Posted by salvokat | August 19, 2011, 3:11 pmI like it…a lot! It’s got a fresh, current feel to it. I hope you continue to develop it like you suggest…I can see this new treatment of great lyrics being HUGE! Great work.
Posted by Rob Reardon | June 28, 2011, 4:49 amThanks for your encouragement Rob!
Posted by salvokat | August 19, 2011, 3:10 pm