I Am Resolved by Reawaken (Acoustic Hymn)

Modern adaptation of the classic hymn "I Am Resolved". Acoustic guitar and vocals by Nathan Drake; Written by Palmer Hartsough, 1896.

Such a song should bring peace and not distress. It has a nice inherent rhythm, but it is hard to imagine that the composer ever thought that this 4/4 arrangement would be matched to a heavy 2nd & 4th back beat. I find this overwhelming smacking sound both disturbing and offensive, detracting from the theme of the words.

Also the scooping of the words is also a very worldly voice style that does not transition smoothly from one note to another precisely predictable, landing dead center on the note expected, whilst then maintaining that pitch throughout its note value. The chords should ring without off-pitch dissonance, without adding some kind of body english and personal fickleness to it.

As performed, were I a ruling elder, this style of performance would not be accepted as part of a worship gathering in my church house, actually. The reason is that the way the piece is performed commits to a worldly style that is exactly opposite to the theme expressed by the story's words; and in fact, effectively mutes them cognitively.

I regret having to say this, but I've been doing all kinds of vocal and instrumental secular and religious work for over seventy years, and have studied both hymnology, and part-writing. I do not feel this is the kind of rendition the composer and arranger would think consistent with that song story.

On the positive side, the instrument has a mellow resonant tone, and the performer is gifted with a voice with a certain fullness. The combination could be used very successfully in a style consistent with the intention conveyed by the words rather than contrary to it. The words should predominate. Moreover, the arrangement should not force a driving worldly beat on an other-worldly spiritual song to draw the audience towards holiness.

The proper way to present this poem is to make sure the words are clearly and understood, while being augmented and borne along by the pleasantly lilting, very singable melody line and supporting compatible chord progression, which is that of the major chords resolving on the circle of fifths.

Like yourself, I know that the local assemblies need a continuing flow and renewal of refreshed and refreshing insights as to what is on the Lord's heart for our times. No matter how beautiful a song is, it can become common and trite if it is repeated too often. Without proficiency in musicianship and variety of forms, the fare of the assembly can require the input of fresh material, but fitting the culture.

What is needed is poem authors who are so saturated in the Word and close to Jesus that godly thoughts just flow out of them as you and I breathe. And the musical vehicle needs to be spiritual, not fleshly, also supporting a melody that fits as if married to the thoughts that are presented.

Such modern psalmists are indeed rare. Not many of the "contemposrary" "Christian" entertainers fit this profile. Just because one professes to be Christian, and has musical proficiency does not make one a Christian musician, IMHO.

Somehow, we have failed to study, encourage, and reward godly musicianship. But I do know a few young people to whom this is their life.

& & & & & &

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