Story Behind The Song
I am taken by the description of God comparing himself to a nursing tender mother in this passage of Scripture... he is jealous and protective over his child about to be led away into captivity and slavery. The rebellious teen wants to go believing this is the call of love, not ruin. God then reminds her of their relationship from the beginning and how he nurtured her in love and taught her everything she knows. He tries to woo her rather than force her back to himself.
Song Description
This spiritual was difficult to record because it is so NOT Pop or rock but what is it? Reminiscent of the scores from the deep South or Americana hymns. It comes from Hosea 11 and Isaiah 49.
| Song Length |
3:25 |
Genre |
Blues - Rural, Country - Bluegrass |
| Tempo |
Slow (71 - 90) |
Lead Vocal |
Female Vocal |
| Mood |
Disconcerted, Gracious |
Subject |
Jealousy, Spirituality |
| Similar Artists |
Alison Krauss, Adele |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
(This song was mistakenly recorded as a blues dance. It should be sung like a rural roots spiritual, softer and emotively gutzy...)
When you were a child, I loved you. It was I who taught you to walk. I picked you up in my arms and wrapped you in human kindnesses. Now. How can I let you go? How can I hand you over?
My heart recoils at just the thought, my compassion grows warm and tender.
I will not act in my anger.
I will not act in my wrath.
For I am God and no arrogant mortal.
I will not lay flat.
Though your mother forgets you, I have engraved you on the palm of my hands.
When I roar you will hear me and come back, come back to this land.
I was like a mother who lifted an infant up to her knee. It was I who bent down to feed you, so how can I let you go? Now, tell me how can I give you up? How can I hand you over? My heart recoils at just the thought, my compassion grows warm and tender.
Tender...for you.