Artist & Tune
About the Song
Charlie King adapted this 19th century gospel hymn. Charlie gave the song a new social justice emphasis.
The original hymn was written in 1898 with words by Johnson Oatman and music by Charles Hutchinson Gabriel. info, lyrics & music of the original hymn
The 1st 2 lines of verse 4 borrows from Travis Edmonson “If I Were Free” circa 1965.
I have no desire to stay
Where lies destroy & fears dismay
Where money talks & fortune frowns
Come help me find some higher ground
Lift me up, let me stand
Upon some decent, honest land
Sweeter soil than I have found
O plant my feet on higher ground
The way we live will take its toll
In broken lives & tortured souls
Open our hearts, turn us around
And guide our feet to higher ground
Sleep, work & worry, eat drink & shop
The crazy treadmill never stops
We’re jumping off this merry-go-round
Makin' our way to higher ground
This weary world has had it's fill
Of cries of war on ev'ry hill
But can you hear that joyful sound
A song of peace from higher ground
- new words & musical adaptation by Charlie King