Sunday Drive: In the Garden

The old familiar hymn, often heard at funerals in the South because - "it was Mama's/Daddy's favorite." Alan Jackson has just the right warm, rich baritone for it.

Hymology Archive provides a well-researched essay on the origin of the hymn.

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Sunday Drive: Amazing Grace

What grace is meant to do is to help good people, not to escape their sufferings, but to bear them with a stout heart, with the fortitude that comes through faith.

--St. Augustine, The City of God

Alan Jackson, one of the grand old men of country music, sings the one hymn that it seems every American knows and loves, believers and unbelievers alike.  It seems particularly fitting today.

For the record, a frigid blast has settled over the land.  The wind chill here was 14 when I got up this morning.  It will turn even colder overnight.  Florida's doing all right, though.  Figures.

Click to enlarge.

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Sunday Drive: Summertime Blues

As performed by Alan Jackson, 1994.

It's hot down here!  Click to enlarge.

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The Old Rugged Cross

The Lessons for Wednesday in Holy Week

This hymn is quite emotional for your Head Trucker.  It was played at my papaw's funeral, and  I've never been able to hear it since without getting a tear in my eye.  Alan Jackson performs:

 

 Lyrics are in the YouTube description.

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Sunday Drive: In the Garden

For my darling Mama - gone to a better world twenty-five years ago this week.

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me;
and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

He that raised up Jesus from the dead
will also give life to our mortal bodies,
by his Spirit that dwelleth in us.

Wherefore my heart is glad, and my spirit rejoiceth;
my flesh also shall rest in hope.

Thou shalt show me the path of life;
in thy presence is the fullness of joy,
and at thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore.

--The Book of Common Prayer

Sunday Drive: Summertime Blues

As performed by country-music giant Alan Jackson, 1994:

Sunday Drive: Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning

This heartfelt remembrance of the events of 9/11 earned a Grammy and other top honors for Alan Jackson.

Sunday Drive: Just As I Am

And for today's sermon, go listen to Pastor Dewey Smith preaching on homosexuality. Do it right now - I guarantee you'll enjoy it, fellas.


Update, 7/29: The House of Hope Atlanta has put out a statement that says no way was Pastor Smith endorsing same-sex marriage or anything to do with teh gayz.

Sunday Drive: Summertime Blues

Good Friday 2015: The Old Rugged Cross

Francisco de Zurbarán, Christ on the Cross, 1627

This poignant old hymn, performed here live by country music great Alan Jackson, has a particular significance for your Head Trucker: a favorite of my Papaw's, when it was played at his funeral when I was a young fellow, it moved me to tears. It still does.

Sunday Drive: Summertime Blues

Sunday Drive: In the Garden

Sunday Drive: I Want to Stroll over Heaven with You

Alan Jackson's mama is in the audience here. I wish I could hear my mama sing again.

Country Time: Summertime Blues

Since it's headed for 98 today in Texas - a bit cool for us - this song just seemed to fit the bill.  It's been done by a lot of artists and bands, but it's interesting to compare the original 1958 version by the song's composer, Eddie Cochran, with the one Alan Jackson did in 1994.  Enjoy.

Sunday Drive: Remember When

Sunday Drive: Remember When

My buddy M. Pierre's continuing story of a day in childhood spent with his Aunt Chin puts me in mind of this song.  I remember being so small, so innocent, so trusting - once upon a time.  So very long ago now.  Lord, where have all the years gone?

Enjoy.

If you can stand the blatant heterosexuality, that is. Why oh why do those people have to flaunt themselves all the time and shove it down people's throats like this?

Sunday Drive: In the Garden

There are some who would say these pictures represent an intrinsic moral disorder, a great and abominable evil in the world.

Oh really?  Look and judge for yourself.

Today's text is from the book of Isaiah, chapter 5, verse 20:

Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.

Let popes and preachers rant, wave their Bibles and spout their creeds.

What does all that foolishness matter, and how shall it weigh in the balances against a life lived together in love?

Alan Jackson: I Only Want You for Christmas