The lyrics to Take My Life and Let it Be really seem to convey the heart of their author, Frances Havergal.
The youngest child of an Anglican vicar, she composed her first poem age 7 and was an accomplished pianist and singer. It's said that she never wrote a line of poetry without praying over it.
On the 4th February 1874, she was visiting a home. "There were ten persons in the house; some were unconverted and long prayed for, some converted but not rejoicing Christians. [God] gave me the prayer, 'Lord, give me all in this house.' And He just did. Before I left the house, everyone had got a blessing. The last night of my visit I was too happy to sleep and passed most of the night in renewal of my consecration, and those little couplets formed themselves and chimed in my heart one after another till they finished with "ever only, ALL FOR THEE!"
In 1878, Frances wrote to her friend, "The Lord has shown me another little step, and, of course, I have taken it with extreme delight. 'Take my silver and my gold' now means shipping off all my ornaments to the Church Missionary House, including a jewel cabinet that is really fit for a countess, where all will be accepted and disposed of for me...Nearly fifty articles are being packed up. I don't think I ever packed a box with such pleasure."
I was playing my guitar at home one day a couple of years ago and a tune popped into my head. As I worked on it, the words of Take My Life came to mind. They fit the melody perfectly. As I came to work on this album, the melody came back to mind, so I added a chorus that I hope continues Miss Havergal's affirmation of a life devoted to Jesus.
lyrics
Verse 1:
Take my life and let it be
All that you, Lord want for me.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of your love.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Chorus:
All for you,
Jesus, all for you.
Each precious day you give
I'll make a song of praise.
Take this life,
I lay it at your feet.
Everything I have and all I'll ever be,
I give it all to you.
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as you choose.
Take my will, I choose your way;
Out of love I will obey.
Take my heart it is your own;
it shall be your royal throne,
credits
from Hymnal,
released November 5, 2019
Lead Vocal, Guitars, Hammered Dulcimer & Drum Programming - David Woodman
Bass - Frank Brierley
Keyboards - Andy Green
Vocals - Lisa, Matt & Jessica Woodman, Irene Mayor, Hannah & Ruth Green, Frank & Rosemary Brierley, Emily Ablett, Andrea Beswick & Thom Norman
Recorded at Stillwater Sound Solutions by Frank Brierley
Additional recording at David Woodman Music
Mixed and Mastered by Andy Green at Cornerhouse Productions
supported by 5 fans who also own “All For You (Take My Life)”
I suppose I am slightly biased as it is my very talented and lovely Son Andy Green and wonderful friend Dave Woodman who have made this fabulous album together.
However, despite this I love the unique sound of the dulcimer and the beautiful music so divinely put together creating an album that I will play often to soothe and thrill me when I need it most. Thank you . Linda Bond
