Shape Note Song, 'Life is the Time to Serve the Lord' (Wells, Bath)

Life is the time to serve the Lord,
The time to insure the great reward;
And while the lamp holds out to burn,
The vilest sinner may return.

Life is the hour that God has given
To escape hell and fly to heaven;
The day of grace, and mortals may
Secure the blessing of the day.

The living know that they must die,
But all the dead forgotten lie;
Their mem'ry and their sense is gone,
Alike unknowing, and unknown.


In this video I have put together two different shape note settings of these verses by Isaac Watts. Sacred Harp singers will recognize the first as 'Wells.' The second is 'Bath' from The Missouri Harmony.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• shape
• note
• Sacred
• Harp
• fasola
• singing
• Missouri
• Harmony
• Wells

[HaveUconsidered]

I'm gald to see the lyrics posted on the right. Might I suggest you include both the author of the lyric AND of the tune (if known) and the composition date as well. (again, if this info is available, of course)

Great vids.

thanks

[bluegrassbaby86]

I really appreciate you putting the lyrics in your descriptions.