"Lord, I've Tried": A Musical Timeout to Remember that our Best is Always Recognized



Posted: Thursday, October 30, 2008

by Walter Rhett
Charleston Perlo

The beauty and power of music exists in its ability to use the ear to touch the heart. The gift of hearing is a special yet simple expression of God's presence. The wind, the seas, even the trees make a joyful noise-but none of them can hear. Hearing, the ability to have the sounds around us find emotions and meanings centered in our hearts and minds, is a power we take for granted and often misuse.

But this week, reviewing older spiritual music on youtube, I found a quartet group whose music is often forgotten. Named for a baking company that sponsored their live concerts in West Virginia, the Swan Silvertones were a remarkable group of gospel singers who performances stirred the deepest parts of our souls. Their gifts for bending notes and adding a mystic quality to the sustained tones floating out of their mouths puts the listener in touch with the secrets of life we hide away in our "busyness." But listening to the Swan Silvertones, we are lifted above our secrets and hiding places and are presenting our lives to an unseen ear who, by the power of their singing witness, we know is listening.

I share the link. Stop reading. Listen. And know you are listened to. This 1947 a capella gospel song, "Lord, I've Tried," carries our hopes: You deserve the reward this music holds and brings. It will do you well. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KN1ts7p2sQg  

Walter Rhett Walter Rhett attended Ohio State and writes from Charleston, SC. He writes about national and global affairs with an eye on Southern history and culture and enjoys listening to his readers.

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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)
» left by Walter Rhett 3 years 203 days ago.
39 fans.
Beatiful music!
» left by Judi Lake
 3 years 203 days ago.
98 fans. Follow Judi Lake on twitter!
What a great share, Walter! Yes, it truly does carry out hope -- Thanks so much for bringing this to our attention - you should embed this within your article, Walter!
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