Sunday Sing-Along: Gospel Songs We All Know - Page 9
Written by
Meg Butler
Published on
August 3, 2014
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There are some gospel songs that we feel like we were born knowing. Whether we learned them in choir rehearsal on Wednesday night, listening to Big Mama hum or watching our favorite films, these songs have a permanent place in our gospel roster.
“I Don’t Know What You’ve Come to Do”
Is it just us or are there different versions of what you’ve come to do? We’ve heard “clap my hands,” “stomp feet,” “do my dance,” “praise his name,” “lift his name,” and about three other variations that seem to depend on what choir is singing that Sunday.
“Get Away Jordan”
We like this short acapella Braxton Sister’s version but a good gospel choir can really tear this song up.
“He’s Able”
If you’re old enough to remember when “Kirk Franklin And the Family” came out, you’re old enough to remember practicing the exact version of this song (and most of the other ones on the album) until the youth choir was hoarse.
“Shackles (Praise You)”
This was Mary Mary’s breakthrough hit on their Platinum 2000 album and even people who hadn’t been to church since last Easter were singing along.
“God Is Trying To Tell You Something”
This song is a gospel classic and one of the most powerful moments in the Color Purple. Every time Shug says “See Daddy? Sinners have soul too,” we cry until the song is over.
“Wade In the Water”
This is more of a negro spiritual than a gospel song, but everyone in the congregation still knows all of the words — or at least the chorus.
“Why We Sing”
Kirk Franklin and The Family made this song so popular that a Japanese choir took it up and toured with it around the world.
“Goin’ Up Yonder”
Gospel singer Tramaine Hawkins built her career on this gospel classic that’s a staple with Baptist choirs around the country.
“Balm In Gilead”
This is another Negro spiritual that’s so old, no one remembers exactly where it came from. But we’ve all sung it once or twice, usually at a funeral or when praying for the sick and shut-in.
“Through The Storm”
Almost any song by the incomparable Yolanda Adams could go in this slot. Everything she sings is an instant gospel classic.
“Go Tell It On The Mountain”
No list of gospel songs would be complete with out a Mahalia Jackson classic and no one sings “Go Tell It On the Mountain” quite like she does.
“I’m A Soldier In the Army of the Lord”
If there’s a guest speaker or the choir doesn’t have anything prepared, one of these old school gospel classics is highly likely to break out.
“Joyful, Joyful”
Everyone remembers this gospel classic from one of our favorite moments in “Sister Act 2.” Can you believe how young Lauryn Hill looks?
“Rain Down”
Speaking of movie gospel classics, who can forget this hit from “The Fighting Temptations?”
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The Shout Interval
They’re slightly different at every church. But when you hear them, chances are that somebody or everybody is about to catch the Holy Ghost at any minute.
