Reference
About the Song
This was originally written for Franke's "Meditations on the Passion" cantata, which was first performed at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Marblehead MA.
First recorded on From Franke's 1989 "Roll Away the Waters" LP on Rounder Records.
Out of the houses of bondage, mothers’ screams echoed in the night
But you led us from that country in a pure and holy flight.
Bloody doorways, a mighty hand contending with angels of doom,
And a voice that said “Go quickly from each and every room.
Roll away the waters, roll away the waters
Roll away the waters once again
What we took was what we carried, what we dropped was left behind
For scavengers of sacrifice to find
Second-born armies at our heels, screaming in pain for our blood,
And a march of men and horses to drive us to the flood
Lord, let us be your people. Forgive the ones who stayed.
Let us journey, false and faithful, to the land that you have made.
For there’s always one more army, too deep in pain to love, or think,
And there’s always one more reason to drive us to the brink.
"Reminds me of the Exodus. I'm sure it will bring other images to other people."