Verse 1
I was weak and weary, I had gone astray
Walking in the darkness, I could not find my way
Then a light came shining to lead me from despair
Made all my sins forgiven, and I was free from care
Chorus
I found the answer, I learned to pray
Oh with faith to guide me, I’ve found the way
The sun is shining for me each day
I found the answer, and I learned to pray
Verse 2
I was sad and lonely, all my hopes were gone
Days were long and dreary, I couldn’t carry on
Then I found the courage to keep my head up high
Once again I’m happy, and here’s the reason why
Chorus
Verse 3
Keep your Bible with you, read it every day
Always count your blessings and always stop to pray
Learn to keep believing and faith will see you thro'
Seek to know contentment, and it will come to you
Chorus
(in some hymnals it’s, with God beside me)
Mahalia was told that she would make a great Blues
singer, In response she said. “ I could never sing the Blues. The Blues are songs of A PEOPLE depressed, in a pit yelling for help. Whilst my Spirituals sing of HOPE, FAITH & HAPPINESS.” JJJ
This song is the perfect illustration of why I do not care for today’s so-called worship music – from the “Christian” rock (satanic) to pop/R&B songs that are categorized as gospel. I’ll take hymns and old school gospel any day over that mess. No need for a band or praise team. Just the hand of God touching one of his humble servants who truly desired to worship him and give him praise.
The great, late Mahalia Jackson, she sings with power. I remember her music playing through out the house as a lil girl growing up. The powerful voice lifted the hearts of every soul in the house and if the window was open the neighborhood rejoiced as well.
God bless your perfect soul Mahalia.
Mahalia's musicians are ALWAYS in perfect balance with her singing and the lyrics. All of today's church singers & musicians should learn from Mahalia's performances.