Trouble in the Amen Corner
Harmony Beyond Earth: A Tale of Faith and Melody
Lyrics
Rock of Ages clef for me let me hide myself in Thee
Seeking refuge in the divine by asking for spiritual guidance and protection.
It was a stylish congregation you could see they had been around
Describing the congregation as sophisticated and experienced in church matters.
And they had the biggest pipe organ of any church in town
Highlighting the church's grandeur with the largest pipe organ in town.
But over in the amen corner of that church sat Ol' Brother Ire
Introducing Ol' Brother Ire, a character who sits in the amen corner of the church.
And every Sunday he insisted on singing in the choir
Emphasizing Brother Ire's regular participation in the church choir.
His voice was cracked and broken age had touched his vocal chords
Describing Brother Ire's aging and damaged vocal cords.
And nearly every Sunday he would get behind and miss the words
Expressing Brother Ire's struggle to keep up with the choir's singing.
Well, the choir got so flustered the church was told, then fine
Indicating the choir's frustration, leading to a threat to resign if Brother Ire doesn't stop singing.
Brother Ire must quit his singing or the choir is going to resign
Church authorities decide that Brother Ire must quit singing, prompting action.
So the pastor appointed a committee I think it was three or four
Formation of a committee to address the issue.
They got in their big fine car drove up to Ire's door
The committee visits Brother Ire at his home.
They found the choirs great trouble sitting there in a big armed chair
Describing Brother Ire's physical state in a big armed chair.
The summers golden sum beam lay up on his snow-white hair
Depicting Brother Ire's elderly appearance with white hair in the sunlight.
Said York, "We're here with the Vestry's approbation
Committee members, including York, stating their purpose with the Vestry's approval.
To discuss a little mater that affects the congregation
Addressing the issue of Brother Ire's voice affecting the choir.
Now it seems your voice is interfering with the choir
Asking Brother Ire to stop singing and listen to their concerns.
So if you will just lay out are you listening, Brother Ire?
Ensuring Brother Ire is paying attention to their request.
The old man raised his head a sign he did hear
Brother Ire acknowledges the committee with a tear in his eye.
And on his cheek the three men caught the glitter of a tear
Committee members notice a tear on Brother Ire's cheek.
His feeble hands pushed back the locks as white as silky snow
Describing Brother Ire's frailty as he wipes away tears.
And he answered the committee in a voice both soft and low
Brother Ire responds with a soft and low voice.
"I wonder if beyond the tide that is breaking at my feet
Expressing Brother Ire's contemplation about the afterlife.
In that far off heavenly temple where my Master I shall meet
Wondering if his singing in heaven will be accepted.
I wonder if when I try to sing the songs of God up higher
Pondering whether he'll be rejected for singing in heaven's choir.
Will they kick me out up there for singing in Heavens Choir?"
Questioning his fate in the heavenly choir for singing.
A science filled the room the old man bowed his head
A solemn atmosphere fills the room as Brother Ire bows his head.
The committee went on back to town, but Brother Ire was dead.
Committee members leave, but Brother Ire passes away.
The choir missed him for awhile, but it soon forgot
The choir initially misses Brother Ire, but memories fade.
A few church goers watched the door, but the old man entered not
Some churchgoers wait for Brother Ire, but he doesn't return.
From far away his voice is sweet now and he sings his hearts desires
Brother Ire's voice is now sweet from afar, free from committees and fashionable choirs.
Where there are no committees and no fashionable choirs
Reflecting on Brother Ire's liberated singing in a heavenly realm.
Rock of age's clef for me let me hide myself in Thee
Repetition of the initial plea for spiritual refuge and hiding in the divine.
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