Search - Keith Green :: Songs for the Shepherd

Keith's Last and Best Album, A Classic and a Keeper!

Mir | North Miami Beach, FL USA | 12/29/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I cannot tell you how many tears I've shed listening to these songs and how many prayers I've sent up in response to these lyrics. I can tell you that if you love the Lord, this album should be part of your collection--if you can find it. I still have my original LP, the music book, and the songs in various Keith collections.



There isn't a dud on here, but the ones that shine the most for me include his rendition of the 23rd psalm (still my fav of all versions of this most beloved of psalms). A friend of mine from my previous church, the pianist/music teacher, used to play this when we got together for fellowship, her on piano and me singing, and it's still just the most beautiful adaptation in popular music of "The Lord Is My Shepherd." Keith's vocals are full of emotion and true spiritual fervor and faith. Astonishing.



Another favorite is "How Majestic Is Your Name" (Psalm 8), a song I occasionally sing a capella when moved by the night sky or a sunset or some other wonder of nature. "When I consider the heavens, the work of they fingers..." Keith's sense of wonder at God shines through this semi-meditative but passionate song.



On the darker, heavier side, you get a "spiritual" called "Oh God, our Lord" which is great to sing, but not an easy subject to digest with lyrics such as:

"Who you gonna throw in the lake of fire, O God our Lord?

Who you gonna throw when the flames get higher, O God our Lord?

The Devil and the man with the dark desire, O God our Lord."



Keith really gets into it, his voice low and heavy at times, high and full of pain at others.



Another deep, difficult song describes those times when we feel in need of assistance and we can only cry to God out of our frustration and helplessness:

"My flesh is tired of seeking God,

But on my knees I'll stay.

I want to be a pleasing child,

Until that final day.

My mind is full of many thoughts

That clutter and confuse.

But standing firm, I will prevail,

In faith that I'll be used.

Amen! I'm asking once again.

Won't you help me my friend, Lord Jesus."



Keith's voice is beautiful in those lines of pleading.."won't you help me, my friend, Lord Jesus."



"There Is A Redeemer" is a simple melody, simple earnest lyrics, and is so "singable" that it has earned a place in hymnals and worship services across the land. "There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God's own son. Blessed Lamb of God...Messiah! Holy One. Thank you, oh, my Father, for giving us your Son and leaving Your Spirit till your work on Earth is done." It's a basic expression of gratitude and worship and it holds up.



"Jesus is Lord of All" and "You Are The One" and "The Promise Song" are peppy and bouncy and full of joy and affirmation of truth. From the last of those we get this:

"Oh if you keep My word,

I'll make you as a tree,

Planted by the streams of life,

If you'll submit to me.

And if you love the hateful ones,

Who mistreat you constantly,

The book of life shall bear your name,

If you love your enemies."



"Glory Lord Jesus" is effervescent and energetic and will have you with your hands up in the air.



Like his version of Psalm 23, Keith's version of "Holy, Holy, Holy" is part of the reason why that is among my most favorite of all classic hymns. I never tire of it.



Those are most of the songs, and I think you will find pleasure and an encouragement to worship here. These are truly "Songs for the Shepherd" that all the sheep can treasure. Keith's earnest and passionate vocals, his skill on the piano, and the evident faith that colors all his songs shine decades after he got called home.



Mir of Mirathon blog



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