Song of Hope

I borrowed these lyrics from Zephaniah 3:14-20. The image of God singing over His people stuck in my mind, so I kept coming back to the passage. I have been wanting to write an anthem-like song and Song of Hope is what I came up with. I wrote an initial melody and arrangement and Bulldawgy helped me with it and added a nice bridge. Enjoy.

Song of Hope written by Kevin Schultz and John Lee ©2006 GFMusic

Sing aloud O daughter of Zion
Shout in triumph O Israel
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart
Sing O Israel

The LORD has taken away your judgments
He’s cleared away your foes
The King of Israel is among you
And you shall fear no more

Sing aloud O daughter of Zion
Shout in triumph O Israel
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart
Sing O Israel

That day, you will say, “Fear not, O Zion”
Let not your hands grow weak
The LORD will gather you together
Your fortunes you will see

Sing aloud O daughter of Zion
Shout in triumph O Israel
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart
Sing O Israel

The LORD your God is with you
The LORD is mighty to save
The LORD will exult over you
And sing with shouts of joy

Sing aloud O daughter of Zion
Shout in triumph O Israel
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart
Sing O Israel

Sing aloud O daughter of Zion
Shout in triumph O Israel
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart
Sing O Israel

Sing O Israel
Sing O Israel

talking about dc

“You’ve gone away. So long my friend.”-Kevin Max

Why did they go away? Who you may ask? dctalk, that’s who.

I finally have “Jesus Freak”from 1995 and “Supernatural” from 1998 by dctalk on my iPod. If it’s possible, I am sure I have worn out their sectors on the HD in my iPod. What a breath of fresh air compared to what passes for CCM now. Sure they wear their influences on their sleeves, but it makes for good music. Creative, daring, and vocally refreshing (without the boy band aftertaste) is how I would characterize it. The trio of writers/vocalists strengths balanced out their weaknesses to produce some good tunes.

Then they each went solo back in 2001. Frankly, I think they need each other. Toby is too derivitive without Kevin’s influence. Kevin is too unrestrained without Michael’s sensibilities. Michael is boring without Toby’s drive for sonic innovation.

Long story short: I wish they were still making music together. If you have either of the albums mentioned, pull them out and give them a listen. They have aged quite well. My favs from the two discs:

1. So Help Me God
2. Mind’s Eye
3. In the Light – cover of Charlie Peacock’s song
4. Dive
5. Supernatural
6. Fearless

Alright all you closet dctalk fans out there. What’s your all-time dctalk favs? Or feel free to lament about the state of commercial Christian programmed radio stations in the ATL.