Artist & Tune
Version by Bob Franke
Version by Bill Staines
Version by John McCutcheon
Version by Peter Paul and Mary
Version by Black Brothers
Reference
About the Song
The song draws on the passage in Isaiah 55 and Luke 5 where the prophet proclaims good news for the poor and release for the captives in the Jubilee Year. This reading by Jesus in the temple from the scroll of Isaiah is the first act of Jesus prophetic ministry. The little lame child referred to in the 1st and last verses refers to Bob's own child who was born with a disability. (the verses harken to Jesus act of healing throughout the gospels)
The Black Brothers omitted these verses in their 1990s recording of the song because they did not understand the person reference. They reportedly sing all verses since they learned the meaning.
Notable recordings:
- Bob Frank on his 1983 "One Evening in Chicago" is the first release of the song
- John McCutcheon on his 1988 "Water from Another Time" album
- Peter Paul & Mary sing this in a 2 song medley track with "How Can I Keep from Singing" on their live "In These Times" album
- Garnet Rogers on his "Speaking Softly in the Dark" album
- Black Brothers on their 1996 "What a Time" album
Secondhandsongs: https://secondhandsongs.com/work/139457/all