Rich Mullins - Elijah (Songs Version, 1996)

Elijah
Rich Mullins

Released on:
Songs (1996) - ASIN: B0000004TR
© Reunion Records

This is Rich's second recording of what he was known to call his favorite song, originally released in 1983 on his self-titled debut album "Rich Mullins". When asked why he made a re-make for the Songs compilation album, he replied that "nobody heard it the first time."

Songs was the last album to be released before Rich's death on Sept 19, 1997.

Album art only; no video was ever produced for this song.
That's okay, it's a song for careful listening to, not for watching. I particularly love the mournful organ background starting at 3:57 til the end of the song, I think it's what puts it over the original version for me. I can listen to that over and over.

Anyhow, I thought I'd finally get around to posting it, since I could only ever find the original 1983 version here on YouTube. Enjoy!

Regarding the lyrics, for those who don't know, the references to the river Jordan and the crossing of it are a biblical metaphor for passing on to meet the Lord.
-----------------------------------
The Jordan is waiting for me to cross through
My heart is aging I can tell
So Lord, I'm begging for one last favor from You
Here's my heart take it where You will

This life has shown me how we're mended and how we're torn
How it's okay to be lonely as long as you're free
Sometimes my ground was stoney
And sometimes covered up with thorns
And only You could make it what it had to be
And now that it's done
Well if they dressed me like a pauper
Or if they dined me like a prince
If they lay me with my fathers
Or if my ashes scatter on the wind
I don't care

But when I leave I want to go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

There's people been friendly, but they'd never be your friends
Sometimes this has bent me to the ground
Now that this is all ending
I want to hear some music once again
'Cause it's the finest thing that I have ever found

But the Jordan is waiting
Though I ain't never seen the other side
Still they say you can't take in the things you have here
So on the road to salvation
I stick out my thumb and He gives me a ride
And His music is already falling on my ears

There's people been talking
They say they're worried about my soul
Well, I'm here to tell you I'll keep rocking
'Til I'm sure it's my time to roll
And when I do

When I leave I want to go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

'Cause when I leave I want to go out like Elijah
With a whirlwind to fuel my chariot of fire
And when I look back on the stars
It'll be like a candlelight in Central Park
And it won't break my heart to say goodbye

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Elijah
• Rich Mullins
• Songs
• Chariot of Fire
• Candlelight in Central Park
• Say Goodbye
• Crossing Jordan

[rmattson07]

One of the strongest songs ever written and sung....."How it's OK to be lonely as long as you're free." Rich was and is free. I love this song-the truth throughout just resonates with my spirit... God bless Rich Mullins and the legacy he has left all of us....

[proudlyrsa]

I adore this song...so sad that Rich isn't with us anymore...I would love more worship from him...a true man of God with a heart of worship.

[milesquaife]

@veelighted7 I dont think it was sad, it was peace. He always spoke truth, and that truth gave him peace, as promised by the Bible through his relationship with Christ.

[333Eowyn]

@veelighted7 Amen!

[333Eowyn]

I love this song and I think very often about it. I hope Rich got his wish, and is with Jesus now.

[veelighted7]

@sandeekin i agree with your post

[veelighted7]

@katiemule215 i agree with your comment, he did go out like Elijah....and his legacy will continue to bless others. Rich was not of this world, he seemed sad due to his intense accute awareness for suffering and longing to be with the Lord.

Bless RICH always!

[katiemule215]

He did indeed "go out like Elijah". Thank you God for blessing this world with this man who really got it!

[sandeekin]

He went out in a modern day chariot.... RIP Rich... love all your songs and your heart for the Lord! What a legacy!  Everyone needs to hear his songs.. what a blessing!

[morlanewyork]

beautiful song the lord is the best everyone should put their faith in him!!! HE IS EVERYTHING!!!!

[JewelsBuck1]

This song moves me more than any other. My husband and I cried upon learning of Rich Mullins death. But... how happy we are to be certain he's with our Lord. What a wonderful man of God he is and always will be. God bless the USA in these trying times.

[torresnproud70]

Please play this song when I leave this earth forever...