Thursday, March 24, 2011

Message from Roger Bemis, Band Teacher

In 1864, George F. Root wrote a Civil War song from the perspective of a prisoner of war hoping to be rescued or released with the title Tramp, Tramp, Tramp.

Tramp, tramp, tramp, the boys are marching.
Cheer up comrades they will come,
And beneath the starry flag
We shall breathe the air again,
Of the freeland in our own beloved home

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSjJIXOY2_A&feature=related

In the 1870s, C. Herbert Woolston, changed the lyrics to the song we recognize today as Jesus Loves the Little Children. Interestingly enough, Woolston was Root’s favorite lyricist. It is rumored that Root, the composer of the original Civil War song, was pleased to have a war song turned into something that children could sing.

We are all used to singing the refrain, but there is actually a verse that is rarely if ever sung. In addition, there are alternate versions of the refrain:


Verse:
Jesus calls the children dear,
“Come to me and never fear,
For I love the little children of the world;
I will take you by the hand,
Lead you to the better land,
For I love the little children of the world.”

 
Refrain:
Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

 
Alternate refrain:
Jesus died for all the children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
All are precious in His sight,
Jesus died for all the children of the world.

Woolston, the lyricist, is said to have been inspired by Matthew 19:14: Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Perhaps we all can take teaching and inspiration from Matthew 18:4-6: Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

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