This is considered to be a gospel song rather than a hymn, and it was written by J.B. Coats. I've not been able to find any information about the background of the song, but the Gospel Music Association (GMA) Hall of Fame has a brief biography of Mr. Coats, who lived from 1901-1961.
This is a great rendition by the Gaither Vocal Band and the Homecoming Friends. Most of the singers whose names appear on the screen as they sing have gone on to be with the Lord. Only Larry Ford, Ben Speer, and Jessy Dixon are still alive (of those older singers identified specifically by name). And I'm not sure why the bass singer in the yellow coat wasn't identified. That's JD Sumner, and he's been singing in heaven since 1998. (For a number of years, he held the Guinness World Record for the lowest human note ever recorded, a "double low" C, which is 3 octaves below middle C!)
BTW, just a couple of interesting bits of trivia: Jake Hess, who you'll see singing the first solo (he was famous for his toupee!) is (or was - he passed away in 2004) the father-in-law of Judy, the brunette sister from The Martins, who I featured last week. He also formed The Imperials, way back in 1964! I know I'm probably the only one geeky enough to care about stuff like that, but who knows? You might win a game sometime knowing such a tidbit!
WHERE COULD I GO BUT TO THE LORD?
Living below in this old sinful world
Hardly a comfort can afford
Striving alone to face temptations sore
Brother won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord?
Where could I go? Oh, where could I go,
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Brother, won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord?
Neighbors are kind, I love them everyone
We get along in sweet accord
But when my soul needs manna from above
Brother, won't you tell me?
Where could I go to the Lord?
Where could I go? Oh, where could I go,
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Brother, won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the Lord?
Life here is grand with friends I love so dear
Comfort I get from God’s own Word
Yet when I face this chilling hand of death
Brother, won't you tell me?
Where could I go to the Lord?
Where could I go? Oh, where could I go,
Seeking a refuge for my soul?
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Brother, won't you tell me
Where could I go but to the -
Where could I go but to the -
Where could I go but to the Lord?
Words & Music: J. B. Coats, 1940
Stop by Amy's for more songs to bless your weekend!
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11 comments:
These old hymns profoundly move me in my 'old' age...sort of a bittersweet truth..."where could I go but to the Lord?"...the only manna that truly satisfies...just read another post from a grieving widow...who but God truly understands...
Blessings to you,
Sita
nice song!
I care about stuff you wrote about singers's background, and the bit about JD Summer is very interesting. 3 octaves below middle C?! a Guinness record indeed. I loved learning that! Thank you for sharing.
No you are not the only geeky one. I love those singers. Mom and Dad used to take us to some of their concerts when we were growing up. They just seem like old friends to me. My dad has probably 30 of those Homecoming videos. Thanks for sharing this song.
Cathy
Hey...I will send you a copy of my book for review. Let me know, and we could interview too!
I really enjoyed that, Linda, thanks for sharing it. A friend of mine knows all those singers too.
Last week I had coffee with a mom whose grown son is in Heaven (Seth joined him mere weeks later). She said "How could I turn away from the most True source of Comfort?". "Where could I go but to the Lord." EXACTLY. AMEN.
Thanks for sharing, that was really nice.
Love the old hymns the very best. Their words always have the most meaning to me. Like this one, so true.
Heidi
Hi, I'm new on your blog. Sita directed me the other day to visit your site and listen to this song... the words are so timely indeed. It's sung by the Bill Gaither singers and band... How this brings back so many precious memories. My husband and I have several tapes of the Gaithers, and we really love theirs songs! I was so glad I got to visit...thanks for sharing.
i can't help to observe that old gospel songs sounds more soothing and inspiring...though some modern ones are inspiring in words but the accompaniment distorts our thoughts. :)
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