Higher Ground

First Line:

I have no desire to stay where lies destroy & fears dismay

Artist & Tune

Composed by:

Rec/Performed by:

Charlie King adapted this 19th century gospel hymn. Charlie gave the song a new social justice emphasis.

The original hymn was written in 1898 with words by Johnson Oatman and music by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel. info, lyrics & music of the original hymn

The 1st 2 lines of verse 4 borrows from Travis Edmonson “If I Were Free” circa 1965.

I have no desire to stay
Where lies destroy & fears dismay
Where money talks & fortune frowns
Come help me find some higher ground

Lift me up, let me stand

Upon some decent, honest land
Sweeter soil than I have found
O plant my feet on higher ground

The way we live will take its toll
In broken lives & tortured souls
Open our hearts, turn us around
And guide our feet to higher ground

Sleep, work & worry, eat drink & shop

The crazy treadmill never stops
We’re jumping off this merry-go-round
Makin' our way to higher ground

This weary world has had it's fill
Of cries of war on ev'ry hill
But can you hear that joyful sound
A song of peace from higher ground

- new words & musical adaptation by Charlie King