http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGBoP70A7Q0
It’s my favourite version of this song, just slightly edging out Blind Willie Johnson’s by a whisker. Makes the hair on my neck stand up.
One of my favorite songs ever, People Get Ready. The Chambers Brothers do my favorite version, but I also love this live version byAl Green.
I write liberty-movement songs (You can hear some in the movie Derrick J’s Victimless Crime Spree), and keep going back to Gospel numbers to base contrafacta upon, despite my cranky atheism, because they’re so moving, inspirational, and possessed of proven staying power. It sure worked for the Civil Rights movement–which, by the way, rewrote “Mary, Don’t You Weep” as “If You Don’t Find Me at the Back of the Bus.”
Here’s an example of a song to be sung outside the courthouse while passing out pamphlets:
CRASH THE SYSTEM (DON’T TAKE THE PLEA DEAL) (loosely to “Wade in the Water”)
COPYRIGHT MR 2012 by Sam A. Robrin. Creative Commons, blah, blah, woof, woof. Go ahead and use it (hey, I lifted the melody), but if you make a little money on it, I want some!
CHORUS:
Don't take the plea deal,
Victims of the so-called "Justice system."
Don't take the plea deal.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
See that lady on the YouTube vids?
Don’t take the plea deal.
She took the plea deal, and still lost her kids.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
VERSES:
(The verses are designed to be sung by the lead “h’ister”; the choir sings “Don’t take the plea deal” following the first line, and “We can crash the system if we take a stand” following the second line. The chorus is repeated following each verse. To conclude, the chorus is sung like a verse, followed by one last chorus.)
I took the deal when they threatened and begged—
Don’t take the plea deal.
Pleaded guilty, then the Court reneged.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
You’ve heard their cliches your whole life through.
Don’t take the plea deal.
What kind of system does that to you?
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
See that man in the long black robe?
Don’t take the plea deal.
He thinks he’s God—and he thinks you’re Job.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
So many laws now on the books,
Don’t take the plea deal.
The system’s made all of us into crooks.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
Ministers, teachers, kids, grandmaws—
Don’t take the plea deal.
Every day, each one breaks three laws.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
We’re told the best system is the one right here.
Don’t take the plea deal.
Well, there’s no love where there’s this much fear.
We can crash the system if we take a stand.
Yeah, I’m hardly religious but I do love gospel music. Anyone remember the documentary Say Amen, Somebody? Great stuff.
Here is another version of Mary Don’t You Weep by John Fogerty with an all-star band (from the 80s, after Centerfield came out). Some fine vocal harmonies by Bobby King & Terry Evans, who recorded with Ry Cooder. I don’t know who the other backup singers are.
Forgot to add this link: Rhythm, Blues, Soul & Grooves by Bobby King & Terry Evans is worth picking up. No gospel music on it, however.
Soundtrack for a Revolution is another movie worth watching, and is available for streaming on NetFlix.
Oh Happy Day, The Edwin Hawkins Singers.
I was gonna say it’s mostly a sense memory thing because of when it came out (1969), but listening to it again, it stands on its own. I think a shorter version played on the radio.
You Say Amen, Somebody? I was fortunate enough to interview Georgia Tom (AKA The Rev. Thomas A. Dorsey) in the early 1970’s … and his old runnin’ buddy Tampa Red.
See:
http://http://teemings.net/series_2/issue_02/georgia_tom.html
I’m still pretty atheistic … a hard habit to break, but my life sure has been interesting!
I’m partial to shape note music, Methodist Wesleyan hymns, old English & French Christmas carols … something about the harmonies. And the Soul Stirrers. Otis Clay. etc.
I was raised in the church but just haven’t gone as an adult. But on the few occasions I’ve heard Just As I Am since, it still makes me want to throw myself down at the altar.
Mr. Springsteen does a great version of When the Saints go Marching In and he does a very different of Mary don’t you weep no more and from the same album Jacob’s Ladder.
I love the Dirty Dozen Brass Band album Funeral for a Friend.
And of course this song from The Color Purple makes my non-existent soul make a joyful noise.
Down to the River to Pray makes all the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
Steeleye Span’s Gaudete. I’ve loved it forever; Maddie Prior has a simply amazing, clear voice.
Bruce Springsteen’s version of Mary Don’t You Weep is also worth a listen! Very different interpretation from Aretha’s.
How about “I Wish I Had Answered” by the Staple Singers.
Most of the “Old Negro Spirituals” do it for me. I’m also partial to “Amazing Grace” and especially “Will the Circle be Unbroken”,** especially** as sung by Dr Bernice Johnson Reagon:
Can the church say amen? mmm hmm…
For the duration of Down There By the Train (written by Tom Waits) I actually think I believe in an afterlife.
Also, Full Force Gale by Van Morrison gets this atheist’s blood a-pumping.