Hi,
When I was a teenager I attended a little First Baptist church in the mountains of Colorado.
On Sundays, the 25 or so of us in the congregation would sing old hymns accompanied by a young church-member on piano.
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| This reminds me a bit of that old church. |
Maybe that's why I responded so much to the 2010 Coen Brother's remake of the western True Grit.
The movie begins with the quote from Proverbs 28:1 across the screen: “
And then through out the movie there are references to God and faith—and the soundtrack features many lovely, simple instrumentals of old hymns like those we sang in that church long ago.
From wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/True_Grit:_Original_Motion_Picture_Soundtrack :
The film was scored by Carter Burwell a long-time collaborator with the Coen brothers who wanted to use 19th-century church music for their remake.
Burwell spent the summer going through hymn books—and he ended up utilizing the 1888 hymn "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms" as Mattie's theme, and about a quarter of the score is based on it Iris DeMent's version of it (from her 2004 album Lifeline)—and that recording is used during the end credits.
Other hymns are also referenced in the score, including "The Glory-Land Way" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus".
Although—make no mistake about it—the movie is full of western violence.
But in my opinion the violence is shown for what it is—a natural extension of poor choices—delivered by men who are human and filled with their own flaws as well.
It reminds me of the Bible's Old Testament stories where God's people—who are far from perfect—but never-the-less became instruments of God's justice.
In spite of the very human qualities of the characters—I felt uplifted and moved by the story and the soundtrack.
13 year old Hailee Steinfeld is magnificent as Mattie Ross—a young girl who wants to track down her father's killer.
Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, and Barry Pepper are all excellent as well.
As indicated above—instrumental hymns are repeated as themes throughout—and at the end Iris DeMent's haunting version of Leaning on the Everlasting Arms plays over the credits.
Because of this song's raw quality—it may not be for everyone—but I loved it and you might just as well.
: )
You'll find the lyrics below the video.
Enjoy!
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms - Lyrics
http://www.metrolyrics.com/leaning-on-the-everlasting-arms-lyrics-iris-dement.html
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning,
Safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
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Thanks for stopping by!
God Bless!
Remember—Jesus is LORD—and He is returning soon!
