Two Examples Of "Ride On King Jesus" (Ride On King Emmanuel)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post provides two examples of arrangements of the African American Spiritual "Ride On King Jesus" (with the second line: "Ride On King Emmanuel").

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/06/african-american-choir-directing-styles.html for examples of "Ride On King Jesus" (second line: "No man can hinder me" or "No Man can hinder Thee").

Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/06/five-additional-ride-on-king-jesus.html for historical versions of this Spiritual.

The content of this post is provided for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks also to all of the choir directors, vocalists, and musicians who are featured in this post and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. In addition, thanks to the publishers of these YouTube videos.

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FEATURED EXAMPLES
Example #1: "Ride On King Jesus" - The Roberta Martin Singers feat, Roberta Martin



Emmanuel Jones, Uploaded on Jul 21, 2011

The Roberta Martin Singers
Ride On King Jesus
With the one and ONLY Roberta Martin on Lead
-snip-
I believe that Example #1 (which was recorded in 1947) is the oldest recording of this gospelized arrangement of "Ride On King Jesus" (second line "Ride On King Emmanuel").

"Gospelized Spirituals" is my term for Spirituals which are performed in a "gospelized" style. Contrast these "old school" gospelized styles with the much more contemporary styles of the arrangements that are showcased in the "Ride On King Jesus" renditions that are found in the pancocojams post whose link is given above.

Here are the lyrics to this arrangement*:

Chorus:
Lead: Ride On
Group- Ride On
Lead: King Jesus
Group-King Jesus
Lead- Ride On
Group- Ride On
Lead: King Emmanuel
Group-King Emmanuel
Lead- Ride On
Group- Ride On conquering King
Lead-I wanna go to heaven
Group - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

[repeat 2x]

Lead- Oh You're coming one day to carry me home
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning
Lead- When my trials are finished, no longer here I'll roam
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Lead- Well you came by one day and took my mother away
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning
Lead- And I promised I'd meet here on the resurrection day
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Chorus

Group- Ride on
Lead- I got a mother there
Group- Ride on
Lead- And a father there
Group- Ride on
Lead- And a sister there
Group- Ride on
Lead- I got to see them there
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Lead- Some times I'm up
Group -Ride on
Lead - Some times I'm down
Group- Ride On
Lead- Some times I'm almost
Group- Ride On
Lead- To the ground
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Lead- Some times sick
Group -Ride on
Lead - So distressed
Group- Ride On
Lead- Some times I'm so weary
Group- Ride On
Lead- I cannot rest
Group & Lead - I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Group- Ride on
Lead - Jesus
Group- Ride on
Lead - Jesus
Group- Ride on
Lead - Jesus
Group- Ride on
Lead - Jesus
Group- I wanna go to heaven in the morning

Lead: [Yes] Ride On
Group- Ride On
Lead: King Jesus
Group-King Jesus
Lead- Ride On
Group- Ride On
Lead: King Emmanuel
Group-King Emmanuel
Lead- Ride On
Group- Ride On conquering King
Lead-I wanna go to heaven
lead and group - In the morning
-snip-
*Transcription by Azizi Powell from this video. Additions & corrections welcome.

Here's a comment about the photograph that was used in this YouTube sound file:
Ronald Greer, 2013
"The photo is a 1947 photo [of the Roberta Martin Singers] prior to the passing of Sadie Durrah-Nolan. TOP: Roberta Martin, Willie Webb and Delois Barrett BOTTOM: Norsalus McKissick, Sadie Durrah Nolan, Bessie Folk and Eegene Smith"

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Example #2: St. James Mass Choir - Ride On King Jesus, Ride On King Emmanuel



Marcel West, Uploaded on Dec 12, 2008

Mass Choir singing Ride On King Jesus, Ride On King Emmanuel.
-snip-
This arrangement is given without transcription

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Why Fewer African American Women Wear Hats In Church

Edited by Azizi Powell

The purpose of this post isn't a commentary of why African American women or any other women wear hats in church. Instead, the purpose of this post is to share my thoughts about why it appears that fewer African American women wear hats in church now than they (we) used to.

This video provides some background to my comments.

Tribute to COGIC Women



19SOCOGIC11, Uploaded on Sep 17, 2010

A Tribute to COGIC Women, and their hats
-snip-
Here's a comment [with minor revisions) that I posted to that video's viewer comment thread in response to a question about the country these women featured in the video are from:
"These women are from the United States. The video celebrates the tradition of African American Church Of God In Christ (COGIC) women wearing fashionable hats in church and at religious events.

The custom of females wearing stylish hats to church is (or was) also practiced in some other Black American churches besides COGIC churches. It's my experience as a Black Baptist (in the USA) that nowadays only a few Black women wear hats in church on Sundays or at other church events, even during the Easter service when it was traditional for women (and girls) to wear their most stylish hats".

****
Here's a portion of a review of Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats, Michael Cunningham and Craig Marberry's 2000 photo-book about the custom of African American women wearing fancy hats in church:
"[For countless numbers of Black women] a church hat, flamboyant as it may be, is no mere fashion accessory; it's a cherished African American custom, one observed with boundless passion by black women of various religious denominations. A woman's hat speaks long before its wearer utters a word. It's what Deirdre Guion calls "hattitude...there's a little more strut in your carriage when you wear a nice hat. There's something special about you." If a hat says a lot about a person, it says even more about a people-the customs they observe, the symbols they prize, and the fashions they fancy.

Photographer Michael Cunningham beautifully captures the self-expressions of women of all ages-from young glamorous women to serene but stylish grandmothers. Award-winning journalist Craig Marberry provides an intimate look at the women and their lives. Together they've captured a captivating custom, this wearing of church hats, a peculiar convergence of faith and fashion that keeps the Sabbath both holy and glamorous." http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/crowns-michael-cunningham/1112964635?ean=9780385500869
-snip-
A 12 page Time magazine photo essay "Crowns: A Brief History Of Church Hats" That book provides a 12 page overview of the tradition of Black (African American) women wearing hats to church.

Here's an excerpt from that article:
"Letting it Loose
The 1970s and subsequent decades brought new hair trends such as the Afro, braids and the hair weave. Not all styles fit nicely under hats, however. In recent decades church hats have been largely a habit of the older generation — women "of a certain age." [page 9 of 12] http://content.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1874131_1830150,00.html
-snip-
I applaud that Times article, and I agree that since the 1970s significantly fewer African American church women wear hats and those who do are mostly older (about sixty years and up). However, I question the reasons that article gives for the decreased numbers of Black church women who wear hats in church.

The 1970s was noted for its large afro hairstyles for African American females & males. However, even during that decade down to the present, only a small percentage of African Americans wore/wear their hair in an afro or any other natural style. And it seemed to me that most of those African American women who wore afros in the 1970s were under forty years old and a considerable percentage of those females weren't church goers. I also think that even as early as the 1970s, wearing elaborate hats to church was becoming largely an "old women's custom". Besides that, it wasn't so much that Black women who wore their hair in an afro couldn't find a hat which would "fit them nicely". Females like me who wore their hair in large afros back in the 1970s wouldn't have worn a hat over our fros (except for a "gele" - a material wrapped in a West African style) because wearing a hat over that afro would have defeated the idea of showing off our healthy, wide 'fro.

Secondly, few African American women in the 1970s to the present time wore/wear their hair in braids to church - if by "braids" that author means "cornbraids". If the author means (hair) extensions that lengthen one's hair, then it wouldn't be difficult to find a hat to fit over that hairstyle. That said, if the braids are elaborate on the top and/or the sides of the hair, then the women wouldn't want to hide that hairstyle under a hat. Similarly to my comments about extensions, wearing a hair weave wouldn't make it difficult to find a hat that would fit nicely.

I think that one reason why fewer African American women wear hats in church is that that custom has become separated what was and still is in some congregations/denominations considered to be its scriptural command: 1 Corinthians 11:6. Another reason why fewer African American women wear hats in church is that styles change.

Wearing fancy hats has largely become an old Black women's custom. The decrease in attention given to hat wear in Black churches reflects the decline in consumer interest in formal hat wear for females and males in the United States' general population. As an indication of that decline in the market for hat wear, even girls' Easter bonnets are largely a thing of the past.

Furthermore, the decreased number of African American females who wear hats to church reflects the loosening of the dress code in many American churches. Not only can females come to church without a head covering, but we can attend church without wearing white gloves that used to accompany the hat. And females can attend Sunday and other church services wearing pants (including jeans) & a top.

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ADDENDUM
I also think that it's important to note that African American women weren't/aren't the only women to wear head coverings in church. Here's a comment from https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100911121646AASYcsc
"Why do black women wear hats to church?
I think it's neat but I wanted to ask some black ladies why they wear a hat while in church."

happygael answered in 2010:
"Men bared their heads in church women covered their head in church.
It goes back to the days of Knighthood when men removed their helmets*
Women covered their hair because hair was always considered a woman's crowning glory. White women used to cover their hair also when attending church. They used to carry a small scarf just in case there was a lunchtime or an emergency visit to church.

My mother and every other woman in our neighborhood used to wear hats to church."
-snip-
When I was a child in New Jersey in the 1950s I remember this custom of some women putting a large white handkerchief or a scarf over their head during church service as a substitute for a hat because -as I was told- "Women are supposed to cover their heads in church because their head needs that extra protection from the power of the Holy Ghost.".
-snip-
As a reminder, this post is not about why women wear head coverings in Christian churches. That said, I don't think the reason why men don't wear head coverings in Christian churches has anything to do with knighthood.

There are a total of eight comments to date for that particular yahoo answers page. Most of the people who answered this question responded that Black women wore church hats because of tradition, but that tradition is old fashioned now and mostly it's only old women who wear hats to church.

Then there was a commenter named Angel who had to go there, writing in 2010 that [Black women wore hats] "to cover their nappy heads."

In the fine tradition of Southern women, I say to her "Bless your heart".

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RELATED LINKS
http://www.mcphotog.com/">http://www.mcphotog.com/http://www.mcphotog.com/

The website of photographer Michael Cunningham, the photographer whose work is showcased in Crowns: Portraits of Black Women in Church Hats

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http://beautifulcoloredgirls.blogspot.com/2013/05/long-hair-is-womans-crown-and-glorymyth.html This blogger shares how the Biblical verse that has been interpreted as long hair being a woman's crowning glory has been taken out of context to cause self-esteem issues for Black females.
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Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/04/five-examples-of-black-gospel-song-take.html for the second video to see the middle age and older women in a Jamaican church wearing hats but not most of the younger women.

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"Take Me Back" (Gospel song lyrics, videos, & artists information)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases a video of the Gospel song "Take Me Back" performed by Andrae Crouch & The Disciples, Bishop G.E. Patterson & his church's congregation, and Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes.

The lyrics of this Andrae Crouch composition and information about the other featured singers are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Andrae Crouch for composing "Take Me Back" and other religious songs. Thanks also to Andrae Crouch and the other featured singers. Thanks also to the publishers of these videos on YouTube and the transcriber of this song's lyrics.

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LYRICS: TAKE ME BACK
(Andrae Crouch)

(Chorus)
Take me back, take me back dear Lord
To the place where I first received you.
Take me back, take me back dear Lord where I
First believed.

(Verse)
I feel that I'm so far from you Lord
But still I hear you calling me
Those simple things that I once knew,
Their memories keep drawing me.

I must confess, Lord I've been blessed
But yet my soul's not satisfied.
Renew my faith, restore my joy
And dry my weeping eyes.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge)
I tried so hard
To make it all alone
I need your help
Just to make it home.

(Repeat Chorus)

Lyrics source: http://www.elyrics.net/read/a/andrae-crouch-lyrics/take-me-back-lyrics.html

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SHOWCASE VIDEOS:
With the exception of Example #1, these videos are presented in chronological order with the oldest dated video given first.

Example #1: Andrae Crouch & The Disciples "Take Me Back" 1975



Johnny Tarberg, Uploaded on Feb 3, 2012

Good old classic by Andrae Crouch & The Disciples
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andra%C3%A9_Crouch
"Andraé Crouch (born July 1, 1942) is an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, recording artist, record producer, and pastor...

Crouch's first group was the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS) in 1960, which included Billy Preston...

While attending Valley Junior College in California for a career in teaching, he was called to the ministry and formed The Disciples in 1965, along with Perry Morgan, and Bili Thedford...

In 1972, the Disciples appeared on network television's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.[3] By 1985, they had also performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall and toured 68 countries. Crouch's most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Through It All", "Bless His Holy Name", "Soon and Very Soon", "Jesus is the Answer", and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience."...

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Example #2: Bishop G.E. Patterson Sings "Take Me Back"



BrothaRollins,Uploaded on Oct 16, 2007

The ending of "The Departed Glory Shall Return". This is a great sermon, here is our BET [Black Entertainment Television] TV Bishop singing "Take Me Back". This clip brought tears to my eyes because the Lord has taken me back in his arms so many times.
-snip-
The gold covered plates near the pastor indicate that this church service is held on "Communion Sunday". The sacrament of Communion is usually held in African American Baptist churches on the first Sunday of every month. Click http://christianity.about.com/od/faqhelpdesk/f/whatiscommunion.htm for information about Communion.

Here's some information about Bishop G. E. Patterson from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_E._Patterson
"Gilbert Earl Patterson (September 22, 1939[1] – March 20, 2007[2]) was an American Pentecostal-Holiness, Charismatic minister who served as the international Presiding Bishop and Chief Apostle of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Inc...

Patterson founded the rapidly growing Bountiful Blessings Ministries (BBM) which is viewed internationally on The Word Network weekly, as well as on local TV stations throughout the nation. Bountiful Blessings Ministries has a mailing list of over 100,000 active donors from outside the Memphis viewing audience."...

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Example #3: "Take Me Back" - Willie Neal Johnson & The Gospel Keynotes



malacomg, Uploaded on Jan 7, 2011
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_Neal_Johnson_%26_The_Gospel_Keynotes
"Willie Neal Johnson (1935–2001) was a gospel singer who became known as "Country Boy" for his rootsy blues-driven style and his down to earth friendly personality...

Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes... [rose] to popularity across the Southwest the group signed to Nashboro Records where they scored a major hit with Show Me the Way. They received a Grammy nomination in 1980 for Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now. The Gospel Keynotes went on to record over 20 LPs for Nashboro.

...After Nashboro closed its doors they signed to the Malaco Music label located in Jackson, MS. In 1985 they changed their name to Willie Neal Johnson and the New Keynotes. With Malaco they recorded seven albums. They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in Detroit and the American Gospel Quartet Hall of Fame in Birmingham, Alabama in 1999."...

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Black Choir Processionals - Marching With The Right Hand Held Up (St James Missionary Baptist Church - "How I Got Over" )

Edited by Azizi Powell

[formerly titled "Old School Black Church Choir March"]

This post showcases an example of an African American church choir march (choir procession) from 1996 in which the choir members marched with their right hand held up. This featured video is of St James Missionary Baptist Church (Detroit, Illinois) marching into the sanctuary singing the African American religious song "How I Got Over".

This post includes selected viewer comments about the African American custom of choir processionals. My comments about why I think African American church processionals are so rarely done now are also included in this post.

UPDATE: May 21, 2014: Video of another African American choir marching with their right hand raised

The content of this post is presented for historical, cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the choir director, and all the vocalists and musicians who are featured in this post, thanks to Marcel West for publishing this video on YouTube, and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.

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FEATURED EXAMPLE: St. James Adult Choir - How I Got Over



Marcel West·Uploaded on Jul 26, 2008

St. James Adult Choir singing "How I Got Over" in 1996.
-snip-
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRdJJReM59k for another rendition of "How I Got Over" by the S. James Reunion Choir.

Also, click http://www.lyricstime.com/mahalia-jackson-how-i-got-over-lyrics.html for the lyrics to this song as sung by Mahalia Jackson.

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SELECTED COMMENTS
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBuz-zRVGb0 about choir marches
These comments are not in consecutive order. They are presented in chronological order with the oldest year's comments given first. The comments are numbered for references purposes only.

1. blessedover, 2008
"lets go back one day to the old church days"

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2. jamminondakeys, 2008
"My aunt's church on Detroit used to march in on this version of this song. I wish our choirs still marched in. It adds to the service"

**
3. sheri0005, 2008
"What ever happen to the choir marching? I miss that! I want to march in LOL! I am feeling that for real. That was the thing back in the day."

**
4. MrTheOneAndOnly83, 2008
"I miss the Chior march"

**
5. sirjohnsong, 2008
"I totally agree. I love the processional. It sets the atmosphere."

**
6. cupcake48234, 2008
"God, I remember the march,,man, the holy ghost came in the minute they started marching..."

**
7. ak2495, 2008
"see this is church... not to many choirs march in like this anymore more. my church choir march but not like this.*tapping my feet as I type*"

**
8. gospelbird22, 2008
"In the old days, the custom of raising your right hand while you entered a church or marched in came from Elder Lucy Smith's Pentecostal Church. It was a sign that you had accepted Christ and were saved, as opposed to being a spectator or visitor."

**
9. VantisDoroHall, 2008
in reply to gospelbird22
"Also, at First Church in Chicago, it represented placing your hand in God's hand, in reverence and humility. By the way, First Church and Elder Smith's church historically were two of the first churches of color to broadcast over the radio in Chicago"

**
10. Mzprez41, 2008
"Wow, how many choir members are there?"

**
11. VantisDoroHall. 2008
"This does sound amazing! This is First Church's theme song. It's choir of 250+ voices, back in the day, would march in just like this, with Fred Nelson, Jr. or the III, wearing the Hammond organ out. And when they came on the air with their weekly broadcast singing this song, you knew something extraordinary was about to happen in that "Hour with Jesus", as Lucius Hall, one of the announcers, would call it. We can thank God for these memories, and the great spirit of Rev. Nicks."

**
12. jazzlife1, 2008
"That's sho nuff good church when the choir used to march in."

**
13. cogic4eva, 2008
"MARCH IT OUT CHOIR MARCH IT OUT!!"

**
14. thatsmr2usir, 2008
"Walk it Uncle J.D! LOL!"
-snip-
JD = Jimmy Dowell [from other comments] Rev. Charles Nicks, Jr. was St. James' Minister of Music. He later became the pastor of that church and JD Dowell then became the Minister of Music (choir director).

**
15. dphmichigan, 2009
"I remember....people don't march into church like this anymore. I miss that....I love this video."

**
16. Joantaatlanta, 2009
"Nice Video, why do they march in with their hands up? What does it symbolize?"*

**
17. DrSTW4 years, 2009
in reply to Joantaatlanta
"That's a old school thing. That means an elevated heart and hand to Christ. It's like at the end of service when you raise your hand for the benediction. The left hand behind you is what the ushers tend to do called service position."

**
18. carefulopenandfree, 2009
"growing up in my church, we had to raise our hand when we left or entered the sanctuary"

**
19. momohojoman, 2009
"in african american churches in the 20's thru 60's raising the right hand was a tradition all over america. this church still upheld the tradition into the 80's. you still see it in some african american churches today. whenever you had to enter or leave during service you had to raise your right hand while walking. my mother and grandmother got all over me for not doing it one sunday when i had to go to the bathroom during service. the other church members told them and boy did i here from them"

**
20. momohojoman, 2009
"raising the right hand to enter or leave service while it is in session is an african american tradition. it symbolizes respect ,permission an honoring the creator"

**
21. dawson2, 2009
"I remember when choirs used to spend half of the choir rehersal practicing "The March""

**
22. sonrine99, 2009
"i don't care what you say you can't beat real church music or shall i say sunday morning music that the choir can march in on with there heads lifted high and ready to give God there best let the church say AMEN."

**
23. schs19947, 2010
"Wow!! I love the march. It's sacred and symbolic of the Saints as they go marching in to see Jesus. Praise Him saints!!"

**
24. DM F, 2010
"My church choir still to this VERY day march's I love it!! Lol"

**
25. schs19947, 2010
in reply to Joantaatlanta
"@Joantaatlanta just a symbol of the faith and part of their choir march...every choir is different...some jus march with hands to the side or with their hands behind their back."

**
26. 0000mygosh. 2010
"o my jesus they spent most of the video marching in ....but my God when they made it in...."

**
27. schs19947, 2010
"Oh my goodness..Im just blessed by seeing them marching in ALL WHITE....beautiful such unison and perfect example of HOLINESS!!!...that's what the church is missing..let's bring those days back!!! BEAUTIFUL JOB ST. JAMES!!!"

**
28. blackgirlwrites, 2010
"Hi Shun!!!!!!! I remember these days.!!!! I prolly didn't get in the stand cus you know I was the shortest and last alto! Took us about an hour to get in the stand! LOL! Those were the days!!! Tears!!! But this can't be 1996, because we moved into the new church in 91, I graduated high school in '93!
**
29. john316jmb, 2011
"Y'all betta MARCH IN why don't you!!!! YEAH LAWD!!"

**
30. mississippiqueen2u, 2011
"Wow! That takes me way back!!!! We are so in a hurry theses days that we can't even take the time out to praise God! That's OLD SCHOOL 4 YAH! Luvz it!"

**
31. YUNG SAVAGE, 2012
"epic march in"

**
52. Kena Parrish, 2012
"I loved when the choir marched in the church, and when they stood along the walls and sang the Lord's Prayer. I miss that at times. I loved St. James and I love Shield of Faith."

**
33. nctumbao, 2012
"I think that churches should incorporate the ministerial and choral processional into worship. The actual processional is symbolic of our walk with Jesus on this pilgrim journey."

34. Veronica Blair, 2013
"Man you can't beat that old school processional!! I love it!"

**
35. MrTheOneAndOnly837, 2013
"People these days don't understand that choir processions were a part of praise and worship."

Annette Hankins, 2013
"I love the way you made an art form out of marching into the choir stands. Charles Nicks and JD could work that choir like no one else."

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EDITORIAL COMMENT
I believe that the changing practice of African American churches adhering to strict time schedules for their Sunday service greatly contributed to the demise of the choir processional. One reason why Sunday churches began to adhere to set schedules was church attendees' expectation that that church service would only last for a specific time (say from 11 AM to 12:30 PM). Another reason why Sunday services began to adhere to a time schedule was the custom of recording the actual church services on the radio. Since those radio programs began and ended at a specific time, those churches could no longer spend a unknown minutes on large choirs marching into the sanctuary to the choir stands. (Read comment #10 and comment #26 that refers to the large sizes of those choirs.)

I also believe that adhering to a set schedule for Sunday services also contributed to the demise of the tradition of "getting happy" (feeling the Holy Spirit) during those church services. However, another reason why people don't get happy (shout/feel the Spirit) anymore in many Black churches is that those churches began to accept the opinions of certain Black church leaders in the early to mid twentieth century and other folks that it was and is unseemly to "shout".

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UPDATE May 21, 2014
First Church of Deliverance "Jesus Lifted Me" (Choir Processional)



fcdtelevision, Published on May 30, 2012

FCD Classics - Gene M. Bells
Possibly written by the founder of First Church of Deliverance, Reverend Clarence H. Cobbs For years the choir would march to songs like this at the beginning of church services.
-snip-
I believe this particular First Church Of Deliverance is located in Chicago, Illinois.

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RELATED LINKS
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/four-songs-by-detroit-illinois-st-
james.html

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http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church.html

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The Parliaments - "I Wanna Testify" and The Gospel Ayres - "I Wanna Testify"

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the Parliament's 1967 Soul music hit "I Wanna Testify" and the Gospel Ayres 1975 religious "cover" of that song.

As background to that Gospel song, this post provides information and comments about the religious meaning of "testify" ("give a testimony") in African American churches and in other churches.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the Parliaments for their musical legacy. Thanks also to The Gospel Ayers for their historical recording of this song. And thanks to the publishers of these examples on YouTube.

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WHAT "TESTIFY" MEANS IN THE PARLIAMENTS' SONG
In the context of that soul recording, "testify" means that the singer wants to publicly tell how much he loves the woman in his life. This use of testify is lifted from the religious use of that word.

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WHAT "TESTIFYING IN CHURCH" MEANS
From http://theoldblackchurch.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-got-testimony.html "I Got A Testimony!
"Who remember those "Testimony Sunday Service" where you get the chance to share with your fellow brother and sisters the things God has been doing in your life or the life of someone you loved? Have the saints of God stop giving "Personal Testimonies" on Sunday morning, if so why? Each day we wake up that's a testimony in itself.

I am from the (First Missionary Baptist) traditional baptist church and I don't recall many testimonies during my early years. But I do remember visiting the COGIC on many of Sundays and you're sure to here from some sister or brother who had a testimony. I believe testimonies are very important because they offers others hope when it may seems hopeless. Testimonies help others who might be on the verge of giving up. With the crisis we are facing now we need to start encouraging each other more."
-snip-
This quote was reformatted to enhance its readability.

"Saints" = in the context of this quote means "members of the church; believers in Jesus Christ"

"COGIC" = Church of God In Christ, a predominately African American Pentecostal denomination
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-testify-giving-testimony-means-in.html
for more definitions and comments about testifying (giving a testimony) in church.

****
SHOWCASE SONG: The Parliaments I Wanna Testify



GlassOrchidAftermath, Published on Jan 25, 2010 [1967]

The Parliaments "I Wanna Testify" #3 on Billboard R&B charts in 1967. Track features George Clinton prior to Funkadelic, Parliament, etc. Revilot Records RV 207.
-snip-
From http://www.amazon.com/Testify-Best-Early-Years-Parliaments/dp/B00004SV7H
“The Parliaments, which later evolved into Funkadelic and Parliament, consisted of George Clinton, Fuzzy Haskins, Ray Davis, Grady Thomas and Calvin Simon... Funkier and more polished versions of (I Wanna) Testify, All Your Goodies Are Gone, The Goose That Laid The Golden Egg, Good Old Music, Baby I Owe You Something Good and That Was My Girl would eventually be recorded by Funkadelic and/or Parliament. However, there is something very special about the rawer Temptations-like versions of these songs and the other songs on this CD. It captures an era and it provides PFunk fans a listen to the early stages of George Clinton's incredibly diverse and ever evolving music.”

****
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(I_Wanna)_Testify
"(I Wanna) Testify" is the first hit single by the Detroit soul singing group The Parliaments. The single was released at the beginning of the summer of 1967 by Revilot Records. The single went to #3 on Billboard R&B chart and #20 on the Pop chart.[1] It would be the only major hit for the group for the entire decade. The only member of the Parliaments to actually appear on the recording was group leader George Clinton, as the group was based in New Jersey at the time and only Clinton was able to travel to Detroit for the session. The recording was rounded off by session singers and musicians.

"(I Wanna) Testify" was reissued in 1969 on the Soultown label (Soultown 502-A). It was issued in Canada on the Transworld label (TW-1677) and on the Track label (Track 604032) in the UK. The first time that the single appeared on an album was the Track Records release Backtrack 6 in 1970 (Track 2407 006).

Group leader George Clinton later produced remakes of both "(I Wanna) Testify" and its B-side "I Can Feel The Ice Melting". The former appeared on the 1974 Parliament album Up For The Down Stroke under the abbreviated title "Testify"."
-snip-
"wanna" = "want to"
Click http://www.oldielyrics.com/lyrics/the_parliaments/i_wanna_testify.html

“Everybody sing, I just wanna testify
Oh girl, what your love has done for me”

****
SHOWCASE GOSPEL SONG
the gospel ayres - i wanna testify - contour.wmv



Kenneth Aitchison, Published on Jun 3, 2012 [I Wanna Testify (1975)]

****
LYRICS - I WANNA TESTIFY
(The Gospel Ayres)

I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me
I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me

He brought me from a mighty long way
He brought me from a mighty long way
And I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me

[Repeat all the above lyrics several times]

I just wanna testify
how He made the blind man see
He built the foundation
Made everything plain
He made a sinner like me ashamed
I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me
I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me…

[VAMP]
Lead- I wanna testify
Choir - (Testify)
I wanna testify
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He brought me. I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how he taught me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He made me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He saved me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He feeds me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He leads me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how He helps me, I’m gonna
(Testify)
How He never left me
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
Another lead – I wanna testify
(Testify)
I wanna testify
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You brought me, Lord.
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You taught me, Lord.
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You made me, Lord
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You saved me, Lord
(Testify)
Testify bout how You fed me, Lord
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You led me, Lord
(Testify)
Testify ‘bout how You kept me, Lord
Never, never left me, Lord
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
Do you wanna testify
(Testify)
And I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me
I just wanna testify
what the Lord has done for me...
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell from that recording. Additions and corrections are welcome.

Information about the Gospel Ayres from http://thriftyvinyl.wordpress.com/2012/03/12/the-gospel-ayers-i-wanna-testify-contour-2870-448-1975/
"....this...choral album is a great example of soul influencing gospel rather than the other way around, especially in the rhythm section where the electric bass and drums are that much louder. Comprised of US Air Force personel stationed at an RAF base in the UK (?!), there’s plenty of traditional material and enough of a hint of Good God! funk on I Wanna Testify to satisfy gospel and soul purists respectively.

The Gospel Ayres were comprised of United States Air Force personnel who were stationed at a Royal Air Force base in England during the 1970s. During their stay in England they played a number of concerts and made a couple of television appearances."
-snip-
The "ayres" portion of the name "The Gospel Ayres" is a creative nod to their affiliation with the US Air Force (ayes=airs). That name is probably also a homage to the use of the suffix “aires” in the name of the once very popular African American Gospel quartet "The Jubaliares". Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jubalaires for information about that group.

****
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Rev. Clay Evans & The AARC Mass Choir -" I've Got A Testimony!" (video & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post showcases the song "I Got A Testimony" by Rev. Clay Evans & The AARC Mass Choir.

As background to that song, this post provides information and comments about the religious meaning of "testify" ("give a testimony") in African American churches and in other churches.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to Rev. Clay Evans for his religious, civil rights, and musical legacy. Thanks also to all those who are featured on this video, and thanks to the publisher of this YouTube video.

****
THE RELIGIOUS MEANING OF "HAVING A TESTIMONY"
From http://theoldblackchurch.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-got-testimony.html "I Got A Testimony!
"Who remember those "Testimony Sunday Service" where you get the chance to share with your fellow brother and sisters the things God has been doing in your life or the life of someone you loved? Have the saints of God stop giving "Personal Testimonies" on Sunday morning, if so why? Each day we wake up that's a testimony in itself.

I am from the (First Missionary Baptist) traditional baptist church and I don't recall many testimonies during my early years. But I do remember visiting the COGIC on many of Sundays and you're sure to here from some sister or brother who had a testimony. I believe testimonies are very important because they offers others hope when it may seems hopeless. Testimonies help others who might be on the verge of giving up. With the crisis we are facing now we need to start encouraging each other more."
-snip-
This quote was reformatted to enhance its readability.

"Saints" = in the context of this quote means "members of the church; believers in Jesus Christ"

"COGIC" = Church of God In Christ, a predominately African American Pentecostal denomination.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/what-testify-giving-testimony-means-in.html
for more definitions and comments about testifying (giving a testimony) in church.

****
SHOWCASE SONG: Rev. Clay Evans & The AARC Mass Choir!" I've Got A Testimony!" 1996!"



MsQueenPattiTv, Published on Oct 18, 2012

The Best Of The Stellar Awards!"

Rev. Clay Evans & The AARC Mass Choir!" 1996!"

Ricky Dillard & The New Generation!" 2005!"
-snip-
"The Stellar Awards is the first Gospel Music Awards show in the U.S., honoring Gospel Music Artists, writers, and industry professionals for their contributions to the Gospel Music Industry."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stellar_Awards

"[Rev. Clay Evan's] 1995 recording I’ve Got a Testimony earned him the Stellar Gospel Music Award for Album of the Year in 1996". http://www.blackpast.org/aah/reverend-clay-evans-1925

Click that blackpast.org link for biographical information about Rev. Clay Evans.

I don't know what the initials AARC stands for.

****
LYRICS: I'VE GOT A TESTIMONY
(as sung by Rev. Clay Evans & The AARC Mass Choir)

SOLOIST:
As I look back over my life
And I think things over I can truly say that I've been blessed
I've got a testimony
(REPEAT)

CHOIR:
When I look back over my life
And I think things over I can truly say that I've been blessed
I've got a testimony
(REPEAT)

SOLOIST:
Sometimes I couldn't see my way through
But the Lord He brought me out
Right now I'm free
I've got the victory
I've got a testimony
(REPEAT)

CHOIR:
When I look back over my life
And I think things over I can truly say that I've been blessed
I've got a testimony
(REPEAT)

I have a testimony (2x)
I have a testimony (2x) [up]
(repeat this section as desired)

VAMP

Source: http://www.lyricsmania.com/ive_got_a_testimony_lyrics_rev_clay_evans_and_the_aarc_mass_choir.htmlI have a testimony

****
PARTIAL TRANSCRIPTION OF THE VIDEO GIVEN ABOVE (VAMP at 2:20-2:45)*
Lead: Wait ah minute
I want to tell you what the Lord did for me.
Do you know what He did?
He picked me up
turned me around.
Placed my feet on higher ground
If you don’t believe I’ve been redeemed
Just follow me down to Jordan’s stream.
I jumped in the water
The water was cold.
It chilled my body
But not my soul.
I wish you’d been there
when I came through
The church Is on fire
With the Holy Ghost too
Oh I got a testimony
Choir: I got a testimony etc.
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell; Italics means that I'm not certain of these words. Additions and corrections are welcome.

****
Meaning of Musical Vamp = (verb) "To improvise (an accompaniment, for example) for a solo;
To improvise simple accompaniment or variation of a tune. http://www.thefreedictionary.com/vamp

Vamp (noun) = the portion of a song which is improvised. In a vamp there are no fixed words for the lead (soloist), and fixed words for the response (choir). In Gospel songs that have a vamp, that vamping) occurs toward the end of the rendition of that song. Notice that in the partial transcription below, the vamp consist of a series of floating two lined verses from other Gospel songs.

****
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What Testify (Giving A Testimony) Means In Church

Edited by Azizi Powell

Part I of this post provides definitions and comments about the religious meaning of "testifying" ("giving a testimony").

Part II of this post features a video of Dottie Peoples singing the Gospel song "Testify". My transcription of Dottie People's spoken words which introduce that rendition of "Testify", and a link to the song's lyrics are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to Dottie Peoples for her religious and musical legacy, thanks to all those who are featured on this video, and thanks to the publisher of this YouTube video.

****
PART I
THE RELIGIOUS MEANING OF "TESTIFY" ("HAVING A TESTIMONY"; "GIVING A TESTIMONY")
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testimony
"In law and in religion, testimony is a solemn attestation as to the truth of a matter.

Law
In the law, testimony is a form of evidence that is obtained from a witness who makes a solemn statement or declaration of fact. Testimony may be oral or written, and it is usually made by oath or affirmation under penalty of perjury

Religion
Christians in general use the term "testify" or "to give one's testimony" to mean "the story of how one became a Christian"; And commonly it may refer to a specific event in a Christian's life in which they believe God has done something deemed particularly worth sharing. Christians often give their testimony at their own baptism or at evangelistic events. In the current age of the Internet, many Christians have also placed their testimonies on the internet.
Many holiness churches devote a portion of their mid-week service to allow members to give a personal testimony about their faith and experiences in living the Christian life.

**
From http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100703203310AAoTlUX "Testify". What does it mean?
"Testify means to tell the truth. This is the same as when a witness testifies in a court of law and such. Here the Pastor is asking if someone wants to tell the truth of something that has made God real in their lives."
Matthew P (SL) - 2009

**
"That sounds like some sort of public confession or something. In my church, it means you stand up and tell your "testimony". When and how God saved you. Or something that may have happened that week that you felt God was a part of.

Like testimony in court for somebody."
nancy jo- 2009

**
"Tell YOUR story........ Tell it like it is with YOU...... Tell how YOU became a believer..... well, that is what it means in that particular situation ... go in peace.... God bless"
-Annie - 2009

****
COMMENTS ABOUT "GIVING A TESTIMONY" IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCH
From http://elderj.wordpress.com/2007/02/05/things-i-miss-about-the-black-pentecostal-church/ Things I miss about the Black pentecostal church
..."Testimony Service: It doesn’t happen much anymore, but in years past, almost every Sunday service (or Sunday evening service) saw testimony service, which was the congregants chance to sing their own song or tell about some particular thing God had done for them that week, or even ask a prayer request. Oh of course many of the testimonies bordered on gossip, (pray for my daughter that she wouldn’t be so rebellious…) but there is something very ennobling and participatory about any person, no matter their status or position, being able to participate in the service in that way. Testimony service was often the most “explosive” part of the service, because a really good testimony could set off

Shouting"....[New section in that article]

**
From http://theoldblackchurch.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-got-testimony.html "I Got A Testimony!
"Who remember those "Testimony Sunday Service" where you get the chance to share with your fellow brother and sisters the things God has been doing in your life or the life of someone you loved? Have the saints of God stop giving "Personal Testimonies" on Sunday morning, if so why? Each day we wake up that's a testimony in itself.

I am from the (First Missionary Baptist) traditional baptist church and I don't recall many testimonies during my early years. But I do remember visiting the COGIC on many of Sundays and you're sure to here from some sister or brother who had a testimony. I believe testimonies are very important because they offers others hope when it may seems hopeless. Testimonies help others who might be on the verge of giving up. With the crisis we are facing now we need to start encouraging each other more."
-snip-
This quote was reformatted to enhance its readability.

"Saints" = in the context of this quote means "members of the church; believers in Jesus Christ"

"COGIC" = Church of God In Christ, a predominately African American Pentecostal denomination

****
PART II

SHOWCASE VIDEO: Dottie Peoples - "Testify"



chj333 Uploaded on Jan 23, 2009

This is Dottie Peoples singing "Testify" in 1999

****
THE INTRODUCTION TO THAT SONG (from the video given above)

The video starts with Dottie Peoples saying:

Somebody in here.
God has been good to you.
You should be able to look at your neighbor and say “God’s been good.”
Somebody oughta have a testimony.
Somebody oughta stand on they feet and testify
'For God I live, and for God I’ll die'.
Somebody oughta testify.

[instruments begin]

Come on, put your hands together."

[begins song]

Click http://www.allthelyrics.com/lyrics/dottie_peoples/testify-lyrics-965700.html for the lyrics to this song.

****
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"African Day" Worship Services In African American Churches

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post presents information about and video examples of African Day services in certain African American churches.

Click these links for three other posts in this series about contemporary customs of wearing kente cloth:
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/kente-cloth-worn-by-american-gospel.html

and

http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/kente-dances-parties-worldwide.html

The content of this post is provided for historical, cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to the churches that are showcased in this post. Thanks also to the publishers of these YouTube examples.

****
INFORMATION ABOUT "AFRICAN DAY" IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHURCHES
"African Day" is a Sunday morning worship service in certain African American churches.* On "African Day" the pastors, other church officials, choir, and members of the congregation are encouraged to wear African clothing**. This special Sunday morning church service appears to be almost always held one Sunday during Black History Month (February, in the United States). But, to my knowledge, there’s no specific Sunday in February that is common among all churches that have this custom.

The purpose of "African Day" is to celebrate the congregations' African heritage.

The only feature of "African Day" that I've experienced or read about that is common to "African Day" Sunday morning church services is that all members of the church (including the pastors, church officials, and choir) are encouraged to wear traditional African clothing or African inspired clothing. It doesn't appear that any African related singing, dancing***, poetry reading, or sermons are held during this "African Day" service. "African Day", as it is described in this post, is different from "Black History" church programs which may be held during a Sunday afternoon or on another day or evening of the week. In contrast to "African Day" services that I'm familiar with, African dancing, if not other African themed "entertainment", may occur during those Black History church programs.

It's my sense that the custom of African American churches designating one Sunday worship service as "African Day" began in the 1990s. However, this custom may have begun as early as the mid 1970s. While "African Day" doesn't appear to be a widespread custom in African American churches, I think that custom is growing. And it appears to me that more people are wearing "real" traditional African clothing during African Day church services now then they did when those services first started. That is because of the increased availability in the United States (albeit at specialty stores) of traditional West African clothing. Some of these stores are owned and operated by persons from Nigeria or other West African nations.

*I've experienced African Day in Baptist churches in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. And I've have read online comments about "African Day" being held in African American Seventh Day Adventist churches. Also, one of the videos below showcases a United Church Of Christ worship service which I believe is during "African Day". It's probable that African Day services are also held in other African American denominations.

**It appears to me that the "African clothing" is usually African inspired (such as long dresses for women made out of Ghanaian or Ivory Coast [imitation] kente cloth or Malian mudcloth and dashikis for the men). However, some people wear traditional West African clothing particularly in Senegalese styles or (Yoruba) Nigerian styles (such as agbadas) for the men.

It's important to note that usually African Day is the only church service of the year in which many members (or even a few members) of the church congregation (including pastors, choir, etc) wear African (or "African-like") clothing, including head wraps (geles) or dashikis. This doesn't include the kente cloth material that may adorn some pastor's robes and choir member's robes or the kente cloth stoles that some African American pastors and choir members wear over their robes.

*** Many African American churches frown on dancing(other than the Holy Dance) at any time, but particularly in the church sanctuary.

****
FEATURED EXAMPLES
These examples are posted in chronological order, with the oldest dated examples presented first.

Example #1 is the only the videos which describes the service as part of "African Day". However, I believe that those services shown in the video were held during "African Day" based on my experience that it is very rare for "African clothing" to be worn during Sunday morning worship services in African American churches at any time other than Sunday services designated as "African Day".

Example #1: African Day At Church



Alysia Boles, Uploaded on May 8, 2009

we had african day @church in 2007 for black history month
snip-
If I'm not mistaken, the songs that are sung are "When I Rose This Morning"/“Victory Is Mine” and "In The Name Of Jesus".

Notice that only a few members of this congregation wear African clothing. A woman in the beginning of the second row from the front wears a kente cloth dress. The woman seated next to her is wearing an African inspired dress and hat. The little boy shown in the video appears to be wearing a dashiki, and the man in the front is wearing a knitted hat in the red, gold and green pan-African colors which, broadly speaking, can be considered "African attire". It appears that the man who he is shaking hands with is also wearing an African dashiki. This is probably during the offering portion of that church service (when money is collected from the congregation for church expenses and for missionary work.)

****
Example #2: Union Baptist Church Gospel Choir Singing "Rock of Ages" 02.22.09-11A.M.



BaptistBoi, Uploaded on Feb 24, 2009 [Virginia Beach, VA]
-snip-
Notice that although people are encouraged to wear "African clothes" during "African Day", they aren't required to do so, and (probably aside for the choir members) aren't frowned upon if they just wear "regular" American clothing.

Notice that it appears that a woman in the choir is wearing a dashiki as a top. Although dashilis were created by three African American men in the 1970s from the dansiki (pronounced "danSHE-kee), an Nigerian (Yoruba) male shirt. These men marketed dashikis to men, but early one and to date, some females in the United States also wore (and wear) dashikis.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/02/dashikis-adaptation-of-yoruba-dansiki.html for a post on the history of dashikis.

****
Example #3: Trinity United Church of Christ - Oh Ship of Zion/We're Marching Up to Zion



misaac78, Published on Oct 23, 2012

Trinity United Church of Christ -Oh Ship of Zion/We're Marching Up to Zion
Feb 6, 2011
-snip-
Notice that this service was held during the month of February which is designated as Black History month in the United States.

****
RELATED LINK
Click https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kansas-Avenue-SDA-Church/115028881855430 for an "African Day" photograph of an African American Seven Day Adventist congregation.

****
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Four Hymns & Gospel Songs By St. James Missionary Baptist Church (Detroit, Illinois)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This post presents four videos of hymns & Gospel songs that are sung the old school way by the St. James Missionary Baptist Church's Mass Choir [Detroit, Illinois]. The lyrics to these songs and some comments from these videos' viewer comment threads are also included in this post.

The content of this post is presented for religious, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

****
FEATURED VIDEOS

Example #1: St. James Choir - The Lord's Prayer



Marcel West, Uploaded on Nov 25, 2008
-snip-
Click http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/lord_traditional_king_james.html for the words to the Lord's Prayer.

This prayer is found in these passages of the Holy Bible: Matthew 6:9–13 and Luke 11:2–4. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Prayer

**
[This comment was posted in response to the question "What was this service?"
Marcel West, 2008
"it was a reunion/homecoming service for past and present St. James members."

****
Example #2: St. James Mass Choir - Jesus Is The Light Of The World



Marcel West, Uploaded on Nov 25, 2008

sing yall!!
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's viewer comment thread:
[Lyrics to this hymn posted by Marcel West, 2009; reformatted for this post]

JESUS IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
When darkness comes,
don't fret or cry
Just call on Jesus and do as I
He'll free your soul remove your sins
Just opening up your heart and let the light shine in.

The night was dark The way was drear
But I could feel his presence near
The Storm was high the road was dark
But I have a light Shining in my heart.
The lord is my light and my salvation
Whom shall I fear He's ever shining in my soul.

The night was dark The way was near
But I could feel his presence near
The Storm was high the road was dark
But I have a light Shining in my heart.
The lord is my light and my salvation
Whom shall I fear
He's ever shining in my soul.

**
posted by John Carter, 2012
"This is some good Sanging... You don't hear too much of this sound in CHICAGO... DETROIT Is leading the list.."
-snip-
"Sang" (Sanging) is a present tense African American English vernacular form of "to sing" that means "to sing very well". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2014/02/linguistic-alert-another-comment verncular.html for a pancocojams post about this word.

****
Example #3: St. James Mass Choir - Lift Him Up



Marcel West, Uploaded on Feb 9, 2009

Mass Choir sings the hymn Lift Him Up
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's viewer comment thread:
[Lyrics to this hymn posted by San47di1, 2010; reformatted for this post]

LIFT HIM UP
"How to reach the masses
men of every birth
For an answer Jesus gave the key:
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth
Will draw all men unto Me.

Lift Him up, Lift Him up
Still He speaks from eternity:
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth,
Will draw all men unto Me.

Oh! the world is hungry
for the Living Bread,
Lift the Savior up for them to see;
Trust Him, and do not doubt the words that He said,
“I’ll draw all men unto Me.

Lift Him up, Lift Him up,
Still He speaks from eternity:
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth
Will draw all men unto Me. "

****
Example #4: St. James Mass Choir - We Are On Our Way/Praise The Lord



Marcel West, Uploaded on Feb 10, 2009
-snip-
Here are some comments from that video's viewer comment thread:
[Lyrics to "We Are On Our Way" posted by Marcel West, 2009, reformatted for this post]

WE ARE ON OUR WAY
we are on our way,
to a land of endless day,
we are on our way,
we're on our way to glory.

when we get to glory,
we will shout and tell the story,
how we made it over,
we're on our way to glory.
-snip-
A number of commenters wrote that they remember church choirs "marching in" to the church service to the song "We Are Our Way". Here's one of those comments:
Deontaye Clay, 2009
"Yess!!!! This is church, choirs marched in to this with their right hand up, and the lefted behind their back, in correct uniform. (Robes) Marcell, you are an angel that is heaven sent!!"

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2011/11/marching-for-jesus-black-church.html for the first post in a four part series on Black church processionals.

**
[Words to Praise The Lord, reformatted for this post ]
Marcel West, 2009
"Praise The Lord,
Praise The Lord,
Everybody Praise The Lord,
For He Understands,
When No One Else Can,
Everybody Praise The Lord.

****
Thanks to the pastor, choir director and choir members of St. James Missionary Baptist Church.

Thanks also to Marcel West for publishing these videos.

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Miracle Tabernacle COGIC's Praise Generation - "Lord I Thank You" & "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" (video & lyrics)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part IV of a four part series that showcases examples of and lyrics to the old Gospel song "I'm So Glad The Lord Saved Me".

This post showcases an example of & lyrics for"Lord I Thank You" and "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" as sung by Miracle Tabernacle COGIC Praise Generation choir. If I'm not mistaken, that church is in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

This post also includes the video 1955 Carman (with lyrics) - greatest hit!. That video features a COGIC choir singing "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me".

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/old-school-gospel-song-im-so-glad-that.html for Part I of this series.

Part I showcases an example of that song that is led by Pastor Mark Moore, Sr. of Faith Covenant Church, Atlanta, Georgia.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-original-five-blind-boys-of.html for Part II of this series.

Part II showcases an example of "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" and lyrics of that song as sung by "The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi". That post also includes information about this singing group.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/bishop-g-e-patterson-im-so-glad-that.html for Part III of this series.

Part III showcases an example of & lyrics for "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" as sung by Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. Information about Bishop Patterson is also included in that post.

The content of this post is presented for cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

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FEATURED VIDEO: "Lord I Thank You" & "I'm So Glad The Lord Saved Me" - M.T's Praise Generation"



MiracleTabTv, Uploaded on Jan 31, 2010

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LYRICS: LORD I THANK YOU & I'M SO GLAD THAT THE LORD SAVED ME"
(as sung by "M.T's Praise Generation")

Chorus:
Lord, I thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you all the days of my life.

Oh, Lord I thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you, thank you, thank you
Thank you all the days of my life.

When I was down, Lord, You raised me [repeat 3x]
I thank all the days of my life

Chorus [repeat 2x]

When I was sick, Lord, You healed me [repeat 3x]
I thank You all the days of my life

[Flow right in to the song “I’m So Glad That The Lord Saved Me”.]

Oh I’m so glad that the Lord saved me
I'm so glad that the Lord saved me
If it had not been for Jesus where would I be
I'm so glad that the Lord saved me

[Ssing all of these words one more time.]

Lead singer -He saved me
Choir - He saved me
Lead - He saved me
Choir- He saved me
All - If it had not been for Jesus where would I be
I'm so glad that the Lord saved me.

[Sing the chorus to "Lord, I thank you" again. In this video, the choir sang it two times.]
-snip-
Transcription by Azizi Powell. This transcription doesn't include the spoken words toward the end of this song encouraging the congregation to give God some praise.

Additions & corrections are welcome.
-snip-
Read comments about "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" in Part I of this series.

Also, read this pancocojams post about "Cut A Step" And Other Black Pentecostal Words, Phrases, & Sayings, Part I http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/cut-step-and-other-black-pentecostal.html

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ADDENDUM: 1955 Carman (with lyrics) - greatest hit!



cervenabudka, Published on May 13, 2012

I clearly remember how my father brings this videotape home!
Fantastic essence of old times!
-snip-
There's a 1992 DVD entitled Carman - Addicted to Jesus, but I'm not sure if that is the source of this video. I'm also not sure if this video is a spoof on Pentacostal religion or is meant to be taken seriously. But the historical (or historical-like) clip of the choir singing is worth watching and hearing.
The song "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" begins at 5:47 and the entire song begins at 2:19. A transcript of the entire song beginning at 2:19 including "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" is included in the summary.
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRV9JunkE0Q

However, I was interested in the entire video, particularly how the video show the White sponsor of the church concert being concerned that the White towns people wouldn't like the fact that a COGIC choir (also referred to as a "Colored" choir) would be singing at that concert.

****
This concludes Part IV of this series.

My thanks to for their music. My thanks also to the publisher of this sound file on YouTube.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

Old School Gospel Song "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" (Video, Lyrics, & Sermon Transcript)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a four part series that showcases examples of and lyrics to the old Gospel song "I'm So Glad The Lord Saved Me".

This post features an example of that song that is led by Pastor Mark Moore, Sr. of Faith Covenant Church, Atlanta, Georgia.

This post also includes my transcription of that YouTube sound file which in includes the song "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me", two other songs, and a portion of Pastor Moore's sermon.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-original-five-blind-boys-of.html for Part II of this series.

Part II showcases an example of "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" and lyrics of that song as sung by "The Original Five Blind Boys Of Mississippi". That post also includes information about this singing group.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/bishop-g-e-patterson-im-so-glad-that.html for Part III of this series.

Part III showcases an example of "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me"as sung by Bishop Gilbert Earl Patterson. Information about Bishop Patterson is also included in that post.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/miracle-tabernacle-cogics-praise.html for Part IV of this series.

Part IV showcases an example of & lyrics for "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" as sung by Miracle Tabernacle COGIC's Praise Generation choir.

The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, religious, and aesthetic purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owner.

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FEATURED VIDEO: A Pentecostal Praise Break Done Right!



atlpraiser Uploaded on Apr 24, 2008

This is my Church, Faith Covenant Church in Atlanta, Georgia doing what we do best, giving God the Praise! Our Pastor is Pastor Mark Moore, Sr. and he is a preaching machine....
-snip-
[This video is an excerpt of the sermon]

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LYRICS: I’M SO GLAD THAT THE LORD SAVED ME
(as sung by Pastor Mark Moore, Sr.)

I’m so glad that the Lord saved me
I’m so glad that the Lord saved me
If it had not been for Jesus [tell me]
Where would I be
I’m so glad that the Lord saved me
[Repeat 3x]

He saved me (He saved me)
I’m glad that he did (He saved me)

[Repeat first verse]
Aren’t you glad that the Lord saved you etc.

Oh, He saved me
[response] He saved me
He saved me
[response] He saved me
Saved me
[response] He saved me
Saved me
[response] He saved me
If it had not been for Jesus
Where would I be
Oh I’m so glad that the Lord saved me

****
SECOND SONG:
Oh Lord, I just wanna thank you [4x]
I want to thank You for being so good to me

[Repeat entire chorus and end with these words:]

so good to me.
-snip-
This is my transcription of these songs from that video. Additions and corrections are welcome.

****
TRANSCRIPTION OF A SERMON BY FAITH COVENANT CHURCH (ATLANTA, GEORGIA)PASTOR MARK MOORE, SR. ()
[starting at 3:52 in this video]

Note: This transcription is given without the congregation’s responses, and without indicating when the organist played his responsive chords in response to the pastor's words. I recognize that these call & response exchanges are a significant part of that sermon.

[Pastor sings]
Come on an say Halleluhah
Oh, my my my. Hallelujah!
Come on and say “Hallelujah!”
Ah-ah-ah-ah. My, my, my”.
Hallelujah!
[Pastor speaks in the characteristic African American minister cadence]
God bless ya.
God bless ya.
God bless ya.

Somebody brought ah praise with ya.

There are two kinda of folk
There are, there are two kind of people who come to church on Sunday.
There are some that come looking for something to happen to make them praise.
And that’s alright. They, they they’re like the folk in the world. They don’t have enough, Amen, to get their own high. So they get ah contact high.
Yall need to talk to me. Come on.
But am I right, though?

And.. and in some atmospheres, there’s some things are in the air, some smoke is in the air that if you just hang out there long enough, you’ll get ah contact high.

But then there’s some other folk who brought their own FIRE with them.
And I didn’t come here for the preacher to make me happy.
I didn’t come for the audience to make me happy.
I brought my own joy.
I brought my own praise.
I brought my own FIYAH*
And if there’s somebody in heeeeer
that could ???
[praise break musical chords]
Ah…yall ain’t ready. Yall ain’t ready.
[Pastor sings]Ahhhh! Heey-eh-eh-eh eh.
[Pastor speaks] God bless ya.
God bless ya.
God bless ya.

Yall about to mess around and act sanctified.
Somebody might think this is ah sanctified church.
[Pastor sings] Hey! Hey! My my my my my my my.
My my. Hallelujah.
[Pastor speaks in tongues]
Hey!

[Pastor sings]
I got a praise and I gotta let it out.
I got a praise and I gotta let it out.
I got a praise
I got a praise
I got a praise
I got a pra-a –aise
I got a praise.

[Repeats these lyrics with the congregation responding]
I got a praise Him and I gotta let it out.
I got a praise.
[Pastor speaks] Hey! Gloray!** Gloray! Gloray!
Hey! Let the Saints praise Him!
Let the Saints praise Him!
Let the Saints praise Him!

If He’s been good to ya, come on and praise Him.
If He’s made ah way for ya, come on and praise Him.
[Pastor sings]
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise Him! Praise Him! [congregation respods with “Praise Him” each time that the Pastor says those words]
Praise Him! Praise Him!
Praise Him! Praise Him!

[This is repeated a number of times then the Pastor sings or speaks in African American minster’s cadence]
Oh-o-o. My my my.
[Pastor speaks]
God bless ya.
God bless ya.
[Pastor speaks in tongues including something that sounds like “Shonta my”.
Then Pastor says]
Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place.
Your deliverance is here.
The Holy Ghost is here.
Your healing is here.
Whatever you need is in this place.
Gloray, gloray, gloray, gloray, gloray, gloray.
Somebody, just shout*** “Glo-o-raay!
Ah, oh, my, my, my.
Hallelujah!
God bless ya.
God bless you and be seated if you can.

We are so delighted to see each of you that are here.
__ [?], Amen.
We don’t believe that anybody is hear by accident.
If you just happened to walk in, we believe that you are here by divine design.
That God ordered your steps. How do we know that God ordered your steps, is because there have been people praying this week.
Amen.
There have been intercessors on the phone this week.
Amen. At four in the morning on Tuesday.
Amen. Praying for YOU.

*fire
**glory
***”Shout” here means “to speak loudly”, to yell.
-snip-
This is my transcription of that song from this video. Additions and corrections are welcome.

"-?" means that I'm not sure what word was said.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/05/black-church-praise-break-videos.html for my comments about the changing forms that the African American religious "shout" activity has taken since that activity was documented during African American slavery in the 18th century.

****
ADDENDUM: VIEWERS' COMMENTS ABOUT THE SONG "I'M SO GLAD THAT THE LORD SAVED ME"
Editor's Note:
These comments are in chronological order with the comments with the oldest year's date presented first. They are presented for the historical and cultural record. I assigned numbers to the comment for referencing purposes. No order of preference is intended by these numbers.

I know nothing about the composers of "I'm So Glad That The Lord Saved Me" and "I got a praise and I gotta let it out".

I'd love to know their composers, and when & where they were first sung. Any information about these songs will be greatly appreciated.

COMMENTS:
2008
1. Kia JaI, 2008
“what song is this. i like it”
**
2. baconboy59, 2008
in reply to Kia Jai
“These are old pentacostal congregational songs. There is no music written for them, they are just handed down orally from church to church. The first song is called "i'm so glad the lord saved me" and the other is "lord i just want to thank you. I hope this helps.”
-snip-
From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecostalismhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecostalism
"Pentecostalism or Classical Pentecostalism is a renewal movement[1] within Christianity that places special emphasis on a direct personal experience of God through the baptism with the Holy Spirit. The term Pentecostal is derived from Pentecost, the Greek name for the Jewish Feast of Weeks. For Christians, this event commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the followers of Jesus Christ, as described in the second chapter of the Book of Acts".

Also, click http://www.cai.org/bible-studies/history-pentecostal-movement for more information about Pentecostal churches.

****
2009
3. TheChiteach
"organist isn't familiar with the old praise songs...pity"

**
Reply
5. “Agree with you Chiteach.....Those old devotion songs were the best.....too bad they're being lost to this generation.”

****
HisGraceProphetDLK
6. “This is the ole church that I knew that we sung at the "Church of Praisers" Grace Memorial COGIC, wow.. you don't hear the ole songs anymore. I try to keep them around”
-snip-
COGIC = Church Of God In Christ
From http://pressreleases.religionnews.com/2013/07/11/church-of-god-in-christ-will-keep-its-largest-convention-in-st-louis-through-2016/
"About The Church Of God In Christ"

The Church of God in Christ is the fifth largest Protestant religious denomination in the United States, the largest African American Pentecostal church in the country and the second largest Pentecostal organization in the world with churches in 60 countries worldwide and an estimated membership of nearly 6.5 million members.

Click that link for more information about that Christian denomination.

****
2010
7. Daddysgirl767
"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees I'm so glad that the Lord saved me.... you better take me back!"
-snip-
I think that "you better take me back!" refers to that old way that some African Americans worshiped in churches.

****
8. TheSoulshifter, 2010
“This an old cogic song i like this one"

****
9. vickvick99
“This is good ole fashion church!!!!!! Loooove It !! Um but where did it go they don't have church like that no more What happened???? OOh Zion whats the matter now!!!”

****
10. TheStarbaby7
“I enjoyed this alot..i liked the medley and the music..lets go back to the old time way..that's what i like boy, i got saved under that stuff..Bless this church over in the vineyard doing your work Lord..and i love the song Praise i got a praise..its made for shouting boy..lol..God bless!! :-)”

****
11. T Last
“Yes!!!!! They did that clap!”
-snip-
I think that "the clap" here refers to the double time handclap that is done as accompaniment for some Gospel songs.

****
2011
12. ChurchGirlAllDay1
“I'm SOOOOOO Glad The Lord Save Me!!!! Love Good Ol Pentecostal Songs!!!”

****
RELATED POST
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/cut-step-and-other-black-pentecostal.html

****
This concludes Part I of this series.

My thanks to Pastor Mark Moore, Sr. and to his congregation. My thanks also to the publisher of this video, and to all those who I quoted in this post.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

Read More

"Cut A Step" And Other Black Pentecostal Words, Phrases, & Sayings, Part I

Edited by Azizi Powell

This is Part I of a two part post about the use of "cut a step" and other words, phrases, and sayings that are used by African American Pentecostal worshippers in the viewer comment thread of the video "Foot Work- Praise break, Watch close!!!!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_aZHl3L0mI. [Updated with one new entry on February 23, 2014]

This post presents examples of words, phrases, and sayings that are commonly used by African Americans who are members of Apostalic, Church of God In Christ (COGIC), and/or non-denominational Pentecostal Christian churches. These terms may also be used by Baptist and other Christian congregations in the United States and elsewhere around the world. Also, some of these terms came from and are also used in R&B/Hip Hop music or other non-religious cultural sources.

Part I provides terms (with example comments) which begin with the letter A-L.

Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/12/cut-step-and-other-black-pentecostal_6.html for Part II of this post. Part II provides terms (with example comments) that begin with the letter M-Y).

I'm interested in documenting the use of these terms as found in YouTube video viewer comment threads for the folkloric, historical, and cultural record. While many YouTube video viewer comment threads contain profanity, racist, sexually explicit, homophobic, and other problematic content, those same comment threads may contain insightful, informative, well worded, and witty comments that I believe should be archived as part of the folkloric record.

I believe that the content of YouTube video viewer comment threads can provide insight about the lifestyles, values, and opinions of persons who posted to this particular YouTube viewer comment thread. I also believe that the way those comments are written (the slang and colloquial expressions that are used, the variant spelling, the inclusion of internet/text writing elements (such as acronyms and the lack of punctuation/capitalization which lead to run-on sentences); and and even the commenters' screen names are worthy of documentation and study as part of the folkloric record.

In this pancocojams post, as in other posts such as http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/11/examples-of-black-slang-in-youtube-juke.html, I include what I believe are the meanings of the vernacular examples that are listed.

Like other YouTube Praise Break videos's viewer comment thread, the comment thread for this featured video contains extensive doctrinal exchanges, including scriptural references pro and con "shouting". This post does not include any of those comments, unless that comment is used as an example of a vernacular word or phrase.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

DISCLAIMER:
I'm not now nor have I ever been a member of a Pentecostal church. I have attended such churches a few times, and I have pbserved people in those churches, and in my childhood Baptist church (in New Jersey) doing shout behaviors such as are described in this post.

I don't consider myself an etymologist, but I am interested in the origin, meaning, and uses of words & phrases. Some of these vernacular words and phrases are used with the same meanings outside of religious services or religious events.

These definitions are guesses on my part based on my second hand experiences and based on how those words or phrases are used in this video's comment thread and in other Praise Break videos' viewer comment threads that I have read.

Additions & corrections are very welcome.

WARNING: In spite of the fact that it is a religious video, this YouTube video's viewer comment thread includes profanity, the use of the n word, and other content that I consider to be problematic. None of that content is included in the examples that are featured in this post.

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FEATURED VIDEO: Foot Work- Praise break, Watch close!!!!



DeMario Jives, Uploaded on May 19, 2008

Give God a sacrifice of praise inspite of, just go for what you know!

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FEATURED PENTECOSTAL WORDS, PHRASES, AND SAYINGS (A-L)
(These words are numbered for references purposes)

1. BROTHER, BRUTHAS, BRU
“bruthas”, bru” are variant (Hip Hop vernacular) spellings of “brother”.

In the religious context “brothers” mean “males who are part of the family of Christ” (because of their belief in Jesus Christ).

KaraStarrAllen, 2010
“Brother Got His Praise In”
-snip-
In standard American English this means “He is doing the holy dance very well.”
Got his praise “ is usually given as “got his praise on”.

“His” here refers to the man dancing.
-snip-
"Brother" is also used as a prefacing "title" for adult males, similar to "Mr" - for instance, "Brother Davis", "Brother Johnson". I believe that this title can be used with last names and/or with first names.

Read the related title "sister" in Part II of this post.

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2. CHILLIN
sitting back, relaxed, not involved, showing no intensity (with low energy).

“Chillin” is an extension of the word “chill”. “Chill” is the opposite of “hot” (caused by intense energy, being energized, heating up an environment, situation, or a person)

kragen05, 2010
“how are you gunna have the youth just chillin in their seats? youve gotta get in on that holy ghost movement! come on. i wish i had services like this”

****
3. (TO) CUT A STEP
Do the holy dance, shout, Praise [God] by doing the holy dance;
“Cut a step” comes from the earlier phrase “cut a rug”
Click for a post on that phrase

Also, read the entry below for the indirectly related phrase “tearing it up”

TheMysyfyer, 2010
“watching this makes me wanna CUT A STEP!”

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4. CUTTING UP (CUT N UP)
in the context of this topic, this means "dancing very well"*

Dynasty Mays, 2009
“Now he cut n up!!!”
-snip-
*cutting up can also mean “acting (behaving)like a fool”, but I don’t think that’s the meaning that was intended by that commenter.

****
5. (TO) CUT A RUG
to dance. I believe that this old, now little used secular term is the source of the contemporary term “cut a step”. I’m not sure if “cut a step” is used outside of its reference to doing the holy dance, but I don’t recall reading it or hearing it said anywhere else.

zareahbrown, 2009
“he cut a rug...... thats cogic footwork right there. i love to see men prasie god
-snip-
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/10/what-cutting-monkey-shines-cut-shine.html for a pancocojams post on the saying “cut a rug” and similar colloquial expressions.

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6. EATING THAT CORNER UP
in the context of this example, this phrase means "to really dancing well in that corner". This phrase may not be used that often, but I’m including it as an example of how pictorial
some African American vernacular English is.

robblkva, 2009
“he is eating that corner up
-snip-
This comment means “He’s dancing quite intensely in that corner”

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7. FOOTWORK
fast paced dancing that emphasizes the feet’s movement; the soles of the feet usually remain on the ground with footwork (There are little to no kicks with this type of dancing.)

joshuaofjericho, 2009
“That`s CHICAGO FOOTWORK!”
-snip-
“Chicago footwork” (also known as "juking") is a contemporary Hip Hop dance that is most closely associated with Chicago, Illinois. Read the comment below under “juking”. I wrote this comment in http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/05/black-church-praise-break-videos.html
"There's no way to verify which came first-the religious shout footwork or the secular dances that had the same or similar fast paced foot motions. This dance form almost certainly has its source in Black African traditional dances."
-snip-
Also, read this witty comment that compliments the holy dancers and also includes a reference to the contemporary American movie Happy Feet

Cynthia Webb, 2009
“now this is the best version of "Happy Feet" i've ever seen lol”

****
8. GETTING DOWN
"dancing very well"

The phrase "getting down" may have its source in the custom of dancers who are really ”in to” the dance” moving down to the floor, and then dancing back up. I also think that “getting down” is related to the phrase “I’m getting down to the real nitty gritty” (to the essence of something ). A person who “got down to the real nitty gritty” while dancing didn’t mind how he or she looked (or smelled) as nits are “funky).

Glamazon91, 2010
“dat man was gettin down... but watsz up with the music”
-snip-
In standard English, “That man was dancing really well, but I don’t understand what is going on with the music.”

I believe that the use of the word “dat” is purposeful, not accidental, and not an indication that the commenter doesn’t know or speak Standard English.

****
9. GETTING HAPPY
"feeling the Holy Spirit" and expressing that feeling through testimonies, shouts, speaking in tongues etc.

[No examples of this phrase are found in that viewer comment thread to date.]
-snip-
"Getting happy" is the phrase that I grew up which referred to people "feeling the [Holy] Spirit". I was surprised to find no examples of that usage in this particular Praise Break video's viewer comment thread and only a few examples of that phrase in other Praise Break videos. It appears that the phrases "getting your praise on", "getting your shout on" and other similar phrases have taken the place of "getting happy". Read the definitions for "shout" in Part II of this series.

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10. GIVE A TESTIMONY
Publicly tell (testify to) when and how God saved you or publicly tell what God has done in your life.

[Given without examples from that comment thread]

****
11. GET IT ; GETTING IT
a complimentary exclamation for doing something really well

majenkns1, 2009
“All i wanna know is did the brother in the cormer have to pay the pastor back for tearing up his carpet like that? He was getting it!!!”

**
dowlingus1, 2010
“he is getting it!”

**
BaptistBoi, 2008
“O boy in da corner was mos def gettin it in but I coulda done without them "horns" on the keyboard...the piano setting works just fine for me and the camera was a lil shaky so it was kinda hard to focus in some spots...but it was still an overall good clip!!!”
-snip-
“mos def” = most definitely (meaning “really”). This is the source of the Hip Hop artist’s name.
o boy =old boy. “Old” is commonly spelled “ole”. “Old” here isn’t an age referent.

**
mrfreez05, 2008
“Man bruh was gettin it in that corner! Good God”

**
GODISAWONDER, 2009
“AHHHHHH U BETTAH GET IT!!!!”

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12. GIVE IT TO HIM
a complimentary exclamation to a holy dancer. In the context of this discussion, “Him” means “God” and I think this phrase is another way of saying “Give God the praise”

JehovahSham, 2013
“GIVE IT TO HIM!!!!!
-snip-
Btw, I don’t think that “sham” in this word means “fake”. It may be a word that may be uttered while speaking in tongues. Alternately, “give it to him” may mean to continue stomping on Satan’s head. Then “him” would mean “the devil”.

****
13. GLORY (also spelled “GLORAY” & similar other phonetic spellings)
an exclamation that is short for “Give God the glory”

[Add commenter’s name and year]
“man i sho' like to watch people shout...glory!!!”

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14. GO HEAD (GO AHEAD)
a complimentary exclamation

Judging from its use in numerous [Black] Praise Break viewer comment threads, “Go head” is the most commonly used exclamation to compliment someone who is doing the holy dance.

Note= Unlike when this phrase is used in “the world”,
meaning at non-religious events such as fraternity/sorority step shows, onlookers in churches or other religious services don’t shout out encouraging or complimentary remarks such as “Go head”

Devin Kelson, 2009
“yall praisin furreal but dat music is way to fast its so fast yall keep messin up lol but its unto the Lord so yall go head”

32pedalnotes, 2010
“WOW! Now dats CRAZY praise! Well... He is WORTHY! If I could dance that fast, I'd set the spirit of obesity on the run! LOL! Go 'head yall. Give it to HIM!”
**
B4RBI3gyrl, 2010
“Yall Betta Go Head And Praise The Lord!”

**
babygirl00432, 2010
“i watched this video like 7 times, loved it, so many comments about the music, the camera, those things arn't even the point. They r there giving God the praise n thas all tht matters...love tht shout on tht brutha GO HEAD!!:)”
-snip-
I think that the words “that shout on tht [that] brutha” means “ the way that brother shouted [danced].” However, the use of “on” here may [also?] refer to the belief that the praiser felt the Spirit on [in] him, and that is what caused him to do the holy dance [shout].

Also, read this related exclamation of support and praise for the shouter (the person doing the holy dance)
joshua whitaker, 2011
“Go boy Go!!!!!!!!”

****
15. GOING FOR IT
doing the holy dance well

I think that this saying comes from sayings such as “Get it!” where (I believe that ) “it” originally meant “winning the game" or "the points scored”.

AnointedGifts, 2012
“He is going for it!!!!Lol, Praise HIm!!!!”
-snip-
“Him” with a capital “h” means God. I think that “God” in most if not all of these comments is also a referent for Jesus.

****
16. GOT HIS (or HER) BLESSING
This means that God has blessed the the praiser for doing a holy dance (cutting a step).

superiorbandgeek, 2009
“that's that footwork right there. You know he got his blessing from that.”

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17. GOT HIS PRAISE ON
same as "got his shout on", read that entry below, and read the entry for the word "Praise" in Part II of this post.

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18. GOT HIS SHOUT ON
a phrase that means "doing a shout". Read the entry for "shout" in Part II of this post.

tallapril, 2010
“That was some Memphis COGIC Holy Convacation footwork going on in that corner. Brother really got his shout on.”
-snip-
COGIC=Church Of God In Christ; “convocation” a convention (assembly of members); Brother here means “a male who is a church member)

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19. GIVING IT UP
"doing something very well"

ernest core, 2009
“Dude was over there in the corner givin it up!!! It looked like he was burning holes in the carpet. LOL He didnt miss a beat. Yall better praise him!!!”
-snip-
Using the informal referent for man “dude” isn’t a put down (insult), but just indicates the informality of the online discussion setting. This referent would not be used in public to refer to that dancer.

“burning holes in the carpet” refers back to “cutting a step”, “cutting a rug”

“Him” in the sentence “Yall better praise him” refers to God.

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20. HIT THE FLOOR
"beat the floor with the soles of your feet (while doing the holy dance)", also given as “stomp the floor”

Orbot, 2010
“Love to see my brothas hit the floor!!”
-snip-
This comment may have been made because there are more females than men who attend church and it's therefore more common to see women do holy dances than men.

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21. [DOING THE] HOLY DANCE
a spontaneous, unrehearsed, dance that is done in praise of God
(shout, cut a step,praise)

[given without examples]

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22. HOLY GHOST FIRE
the spirit that emanates from the Holy Ghost is equated with fire’s energy

COMPASSION2611, 2010
“You better get it Mastro, love it! Even the coat got a dance!!!! Round two. FIRE, HOLY GHOST FIRE!!!

****
23. I’LL HOLD YOUR MULE
This is a witty sentence that means “I’ll hold on to your belongings while you dance or so that you can [do the holy] dance. Like other such complimentary sayings or exclamations, it’s written online but not said during face to face interactions.

I’ve seen this sentence before on another praise break video. One source of this saying is a version of the song “Jim Along Josie” in Dorothy Scarborough’s 1925 book On The Trail Of Negro Folksongs “Hold my mule while I dance Josie.”. But it’s likely that this saying is in a contemporary record, and wasn’t lifted from that Old Time Music song.

Terry Crews Jr, 2010
“I'll hold your mule!

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23. JUKIN
a fast footwork dance (Chicago footwork)

Comment example:
evry1slilsista, 2009
“jukin' fah jesus......lolol i love it.....
-snip-
I don’t think this comment was meant to be taken seriously. I think that it was made to point out the close similarities between holy dancing and jukin.

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25. KILLIN IT
"doing something very well"

pmc53, 2011
“Ole boi KILLED that dance”
-snip-
Notice the variant [Hip Hop vernacular] spelling for “boy”. Calling a man “boy” or “ole [old] boy” online isn’t an insult. This comment is complimentary towards the man who is dancing

**
Myles Sewell, 2012
“lol ayyee pastor was killin it”

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26. LAWD
a variant spelling for the word “Lord” (meaning God, Jesus)

This spelling evokes “blackness” (“African Americaness”). I
believe that it and other “downhome” dialectic terms and grammatical constructs are used on purpose, and not because the commenter doesn't know how to spell that word the Standard English way.

zgirlizfine, 2012
“lawd the devil has to have a concussion from that brother's shoutin
-snip-
Read “hit the floor” for my comments about stomping on the devil’s head”

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This concludes Part I of this post.

My thanks to all those who were featured in this video, to the publisher of this video, and to all those who I quoted in this post.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

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