I wrote my song “Strength” in the fall of 2000, while I was serving as interim conductor of the Carthage Choir. The Carthage school year begins with a special New Student Convocation, and that particular year President Campbell was titling his address “Philosophers and Gladiators.” (The film “Gladiator” had just come out.) He asked me if I would be able to find a piece of music for the choir to sing to fit that theme. I decided that composing something brand new would be easier than trying to find something appropriate- and that’s why I wrote “Strength.” Because the event is designed as a welcome to our new freshmen, I wanted to write lyrics that might be reassuring to the typical freshman- on the brink of a brand new chapter and perhaps feeling a bit apprehensive. But I also wanted the music to be upbeat and fun. It also needed to be relatively simple since the choir would have exactly one rehearsal in which to learn it. The piece actually came to me pretty quickly and underwent almost no revisions or editing. This particular recording of it is from the Carthage Choir’s 75th anniversary concert in the spring of 2001. It was not scheduled to be sung on that particular program, but I decided on the spur of the moment to add it – and the choir knew nothing about it until I began playing the introduction! Fortunately, they came through with a fine performance- and maybe that sense of surprise made a difference for the better! “Strength” has been published by Hal Leonard. It has been sung by the top choir at Tremper High School as well as the Weston Noble Alumni Choir.
Prisoner Samson, held in chains …
So very little of your strength remains.
Prisoner Samson, held in chains.
The Philistine temple seems so strong …
but the power of God will bring it down!
refrain: Call up your God in faith (repeat)
and the God of Grace will give you strength!
Shepherd boy David, have no fear.
The Lord Jehovah is always near.
Shepherd boy David, have no fear.
Goliath may be a fearsome foe …
but the power of God will bring him low!
refrain: Call upon your God …..
Preacher man Moses tell Pharaoh:
God commands he let the people go.
Preacher man Moses tell Pharaoh.
You face the Pharaoh’s awful wrath
but your God will guide you on this path!
refrain: Call upon your God ….
Call upon your God, call upon your God in faith! (four times)
And the God of grace will give you
Strength! Sufficient for your need!
Strength! Your hungry soul to feed!
Strength! To help you bear the cross!
Strength! To help in every loss!
Strength! When you feel all alone.
Strength! When you are far from home.
The God of Grace …. will give …. you …. Strength!