Trouble In The Amen Corner

(album: The Grand Ole Gospel - 1966)

(Rock of ages cleft for me)

It was a stylish congregation you could see they'd been around
And they had the biggest pipe organ of any church in town
But over in the Amen Corner of that church sat Brother Ira
And he insisted every Sunday on singing in the choir

His voice was cracked and broken age had touched his vocal chords
And nearly every Sunday he'd get behind and miss the words
Well, at last the storm cloud burst and the church was told in vine
That Brother Ira must stop his singing or the choir was gonna resign

So the pastor appointed a committee I think it was three or four
And they got their big fine car and drove up to Ira's door
They found the choir's great trouble sitting in an old arm chair
And the summer's golden sunbeams lay upon his snow white hair

Said York we're here dear Brother with the best resapprobation
To discuss a little matter that affects the congregation
Now it was our understanding when we bargained for the choir
That they were to relieve us that is they'd do the singing for us

Now we don't want no singing except what we've bought
The newest tunes are all the rage the old ones stand for nought
And so we have decided are you listening Brother Ira
You'll have to stop your singing it's messing up our choir

The old man raised his head a sign that he did hear
And on his cheek the three men caught the glitter of a tear
His feeble hands pushed back the locks as white as silky snow
And he answered the committee in a voice both soft and low

I've sung the songs of David nearly eighty years, said he
They've been my staff and comfort all along life's dreary way
I'm sorry if I disturved the choir I guess I'm doing wrong
But when my heart is filled with praise I can't hold back a song

I wonder if beyond the tide that's breaking at my feet
In that far off heavenly temple where my Master I shall meet
Yes, I wonder if when I try to sing the songs of God up higher
I wonder if they'll kick me out up there for singing in Heaven's choir

A silence filled the little room the old man bowed his head
The committee went on back to town but Brother Ira was dead
Oh, the choir missed him for a while but he was soon forgot
And a few church goers watched the door but the old man entered not

Far away his voice is sweet and he sings his heart's desire
Where there are no church committees and no fashionable choirs

(Let me hide myself in Thee)