Not that I put myself in the same category with them, but it’s pretty well known that classical composers have regularly reclaimed familiar old tunes for their own work. Sometimes is was a variation of a whole song. Sometimes it was just a section. It is also believed that a number of older hymns (for some discussion of what a hymn really is, click on this link) were created from new lyrics given to common pub songs. For one more example, the renowned works of Gilbert and Sullivan have had their wording adjusted many times, too, even for use in the stage productions they are intended for.
To carry on this fine tradition, I have written new lyrics to be sung to the melody written by Three Dog Night for their song “Shambala.” Their lyrics are fun in their own right, but my new ones are more meaningful to me. I think my version actually has quite a few more words than theirs, since part of the plan was to sing it when gathered with friends. While in the room together, I thought we would do better have words to sing, rather than long sections of “ou-oo-oo-OO”.
Thus, I am building a group of songs that I will call NLTFOT (pronounced “nelt-fot” and standing for New Lyrics To Familiar Old Tunes). And now, the lyrics for today’s song! (at the bottom there is a music video with it being sung in by myself and a daughter; there is also a pdf, if you are interested in an easy way to print out the lyrics)
The Road to Heaven
(8 measures of music – dance?)
Washed away my troubles
Washed away my pain
By the grace of Jesus Christ
Washed away my sorrow
Washed away my shame
By the grace of Jesus Christ
How He loves me – He proved He does – Jesus died for me
How He loves me – He lives again – Now I live set free
Everyone is welcome
Anyone can come
We’re on the road to heaven now
We are all forgiven
We’ve been born again
We’re on the road to heaven now
How He loves me – He proved He does – Jesus died for me
How He loves me – He lives again – Now I live set free
See how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed!
See how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed!
(dance 4 measures)
I can tell my sister by the sparkle in her eye
We’re on the road to heaven still
I can tell my brother by the spirit in his eye
We’re on the road to heaven still
How He loves me – He proved He does – Jesus died for me
How He loves me – He lives again – Now I live set free
See how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed!
See how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed!
Can you see how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed?
I can see how His life shines – in the hearts of those redeemed!
How He loves me – He proved He does – Jesus died for me
How He loves me – He lives again – Now I live set free
(mix it up some)
How He loves me – He proved He does – Jesus died for me
How He loves me – He lives again – Now I live set free
(dance to the end)
pdf of lyrics to The Road to Heaven (to the tune of Shambala)
If any of you would like to suggest a tune for me to write lyrics to, please comment below or email me. I can’t promise anything specific, but I will definitely consider suggestions.
And here is a downloadable audio-only version:
