Be Ye Glad

I hesitate to print out song lyrics because usually you love a song for the music, melody and lyrics. This song is one of my all-time favorites for all of those reasons. Back in the eighties most of the music I listened to, and the concerts I attended were contemporary Christian artists. I was a youth counselor at my church and the kids were really into Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant and many others. I had the opportunity to meet many artists when they would play at colleges and churches in the area. One group I loved was called "Glad" and this was their signature song. I still think it's one of the most beautiful and meaningful songs I know. If you want to hear the song there is a video on You Tube (type in Be Ye Glad). It's kind of a lame video so just close your eyes and listen - or just read these lyrics by Michael Blanchard:

In these days of confused situations

in these nights of a restless remorse

when the heart and the soul of a nation

lay wounded and cold as a corpse.

From the grave of the innocent Adam

comes a song bringing joy to the sad

Oh, your cry has been heard and the ransom

has been paid up in full - be ye glad.

Oh be ye glad,

oh, be ye glad

every debt that you ever had

has been paid up in full

by the grace of the Lord

Be ye glad, be ye glad.

From your dungeon a rumor is stirring

and you have heard it again and again

ah, but this time the cell keys they're turning

and outside there are faces of friends.

And though your body lay weary from wasting

and your eyes show the sorrow they've had

The love that your heart is now tasting

has opened the gates, be ye glad.

So be like lights on the rim of the water

giving hope in a storm sea of night

Be a refuge amid the slaughter

of these fugitives in their flight.

For you are timeless and part of a puzzle

you are winsome and young as a lad

and there is no disease or no struggle

that can pull you from God, be ye glad

Oh be ye glad

oh, be ye glad

Every debt that you ever had

has been paid up in full

by the grace of the Lord.

Be ye glad, be ye glad, be ye glad.