Prospect
Unlike my instrumentals, “Prospect” is an arrangement of an old hymn tune. (Jump to the song.) This may seem like an odd choice, but I love old hymns and Americana music. Like many musicians, I have worn many hats over the years. Outside of my private studio, my longest gig was church musician, where I worked for one church for close to 20 years and another for three. When the pandemic hit, my church went online and we musicians lost our job. When the church returned to in-person services with the full music program, the time for rehearsals and services was filled with other stuff. Nature abhors a vacuum, afterall.
While I enjoyed my time working for the churches. The first gig ended when my boss retired and during my time with him, I went from being “just” a singer to a director in the program. I learned a lot under his wing and was fortunate to be able to participate in many amazing experiences while there. It was during this job that I learned how much I enjoyed composing and arranging. The second gig came directly from the first one, since the director at that church was friends with my boss. For him, I went back to being a singer and an occasional arranger, which was perfect!
Recently, I have missed certain aspects of my first church gig. I miss the people and my boss (he moved away), but most of all I miss the music. When I worked there, the church had a huge music program. Our music binders busted at the seams because they were chock full of songs from a variety of genres and time periods. We always joked that if we didn’t like the music, just wait until next week. As I embarked on this journey of sharing my music, I decided to revisit my church gig days and incorporate some of the music we sang. If old hymns aren’t your thing, check out my instrumentals.
Prospect Video
The Lone Wild Bird (Prospect Tune) by Graham
“Prospect” was written by Graham in the early 1800s. It appeared in Southern Harmony in 1835. I could not find any information about Graham – including their first name – and as far as I can tell, they only wrote “Prospect.” Over the years, other poets and lyricists have added to the two verses that Graham originally wrote, but I opted to stick with the original. While this song is considered a Christian hymn, I like that the words speak to a connection to the Earth and the Great Spirit that watches over everything.
Lyrics
The lone wild bird in lofty flight
Is still with you nor leaves your sight.
And I am yours! I rest in you.
Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too.
The ends of earth are in your hand.
The sea’s dark deep and far off land.
And I am yours! I rest in you.
Great Spirit, come, rest in me, too.