by Anonymous / Unidentified Author
Witness
Language: English
Oh, Lord, what manner of man is dis? All nations in Him are blest, All things are done by His will; He spoke to de sea an' de sea stood still. Now ain't dat a witness for my Lord? My soul is a witness for my Lord. Now dere was a man of de Pharersees, His name was Nicodemus an' 'e didn' believe. De same came to Chris' by night, Wanted to be taught out o' human sight. Nicodemus was a man desired to know How a man kin be born when he is ol.' Chris' tol' Nicodemus, as a frien', "Man, you mus' be born again." Said "Marvel not, man, ef you wanter be wise, Repent, believe an' be baptize." Den you'll be a witness for my Lord. Soul is a wtiness for my Lord. You read about Samson, from his birth, Stronges' man dat ever lived on earth. 'Way back yonder in ancien times, He killed ten thousan' of de Philistines. Den ol' Samson went wand'rin' about; Samson's strenth was never found out. Till 'is wife sat upon 'is knees. She said, "Tell me where yo' strength lies, ef you please." Now Samson's wife, She talk so fair, Samson said, "Cut off a my hair. Shave my head jes' as clean as yo' hand' an' my strength will 'come lak a natchul man. Ol' Samson was a witness for my Lord. Da's another witness. Ma soul is a witness for my Lord!
Authorship:
- by Anonymous / Unidentified Author [author's text not yet checked against a primary source]
Musical settings (art songs, Lieder, mélodies, (etc.), choral pieces, and other vocal works set to this text), listed by composer (not necessarily exhaustive):
- by Hall Johnson (1888 - 1970), "Witness" [ voice and piano ] [sung text checked 1 time]
Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
This text was added to the website: 2019-08-25
Line count: 33
Word count: 244