Monday, 7 September 2015

A hymn about wisdom (based on Proverbs 1:20ff; 8:1ff, 9:1ff)

Tune:  “Molly Malone”

On the streets of each city
where the ethics aren’t pretty,
Wisdom calls out in the busiest square.
Off’ring insight in detail
(not seafood for retail),
Crying “Wisdom, knowledge, alive, alive-o”.

(Chorus:  Alive, alive-o, etc.)
To the simple, she’s cryin’
“Come, drink of my wine         (sung as "wy-un")
And eat of the bread at the table I’ve set.
Leave ign’rance behind!
Come now, stretch your mind!
Tasting wisdom, knowledge, alive, alive-o”

(Chorus:  Alive, alive-o, etc.)
Copyright:  Bob Faser, 2006
(based on Proverbs 1:20ff: 8:1ff; 9:1ff)

Permission is given to use this hymn in worship, provided that proper acknowledgement of authorship is made.

2 comments:

  1. This is a surprising one, good fun fun I can see the frowns on the faces of some oldies if it is part of Sunday worship. I think it might work well in a singalong afternoon so I'll give it to one of my singing friends. Actually we are doing a gig tomorrow afternoon with men and women from three different nursing homes. They will probably sing along the old version if we offer this one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for this. I actually believe older worshippers are far more flexible and tolerant than some of us give them credit for. In my experience, some of the least flexible people in churches, music-wise and often in other areas, are the "Hillsong-or-nothing" brigade. But in any event, the fact that this hymn is written to an already familiar tune, albeit a secular one, means that half the battle (re acceptance by the "oldies") has already been won.

      Delete

Constructive comments, from a diversity of viewpoints, are always welcome. I reserve the right to choose which comments will be printed. I'm happy to post opinions differing from mine. Courtesy, an ecumenical attitude, and a willingness to give your name always help. A sense of humour is a definite "plus", as well.