Around 1953 in Missouri, when I was 4 years old, I was taken to a Baptist Revival Tent Meeting, on a very hot, dusty summer evening. Think Elmer Gantry, the film. I saw my mother and others, all in white robes, get a full immersion Baptism. I thought they were killing her and began struggling to get to her but my father held me back and told me it was alright. Then I watched with eyes as big as saucers, as the "Hellfire and Brimstone" preacher began shouting his sermon to the crowd. They began to call back "Halleluiah! and "Praise the Lord". The emotional intensity grew constantly. Some people began to "talk in tongues". Others fainted outright. Many raised their hands towards heaven and waved them in the air. At that moment, the preacher directed everyone to "turn to page 23 in your hymnals." The entire crowd began to sing. These were farmers and coal miners. They were the most tired and worn people you can imagine. But when they began singing, the beauty of the song and the sound of hundreds of voices singing, was an immense joy and this radiated from their faces. Many cried while they were singing. The sounds and images of that meeting were recorded into my being. Evidently, I never forgot the sensation, for many years later, I wrote this song. It is an homage to that Tent Meeting and all those who attended. I don't consider myself to be a Christian but do believe in the Creator of all Things, and the Golden Rule. I am more of an old Hippy, New Age n'er do well. I have placed chords appropriately so that people can play it easily on their guitars or pianos. However, the computer program, bunched them all together at the beginning of each line! Arrrrgggghhhhh. ! As Tiny Tim said, "God Bless Us Every One!"

The King of Kings copyright 1986 by victor compton C G Am F I am not abandoned, though I seem alone C Am D7 G I am not forsaken, though my cause may fall. C G Am F I am not forgotten, though I seem unnoticed. C Am D7 G C I am only waiting for the King of Kings to call. I am not discouraged, though the road seems long. I am not downhearted, to obey His distant drum. I am no made weary, by the Truth I carry. I am only waiting for the King of Kings to come. Chorus : Am C G Am You will know the King of Kings, when that Day of Days, arrives. Am C G Am You will praise the Lord of Love and reject the Lord of Lies. Am C G Am You will know the Prince of Peace by the Power that he brings Am C G Am By the signs and by the shining, you will know the King of Kings. Am C G Am You will know the King of Kings as the Conqueror of Night. Am C G Am You will hear his Captains calling you, to join the Lord of Light. Am C G Am You will see the marching multitudes before a Brilliant Being. Am C G Am By the signs and by the shining, you will know the King of Kings. When the dream is over, and all the dreamers wake. When the night is ended and dawn is in the skies. I shall not deny him, to the crowds of needing, waiting on that morning for the King of Kings to rise. (repeat chorus and end) copyright 1986 by victor compton