A reworking of a long-forgotten old hymn.
Ellohay Music uses original composition, lyrics and a blend of virtual and real instruments to promote deep thinking, encouragement and challenge.
Hello, this is the page for Ellohay Music. I am a one-person band for the moment, though someday I hope to expand and include other people. I am based out of rural Pennsylvania.
Story behind the song
An obscure hymn by Thomas Shepherd. I updated the wording of about 30% and added choruses. It was one of the hardest songs I've done yet. The meter was so strict I couldn't improvise as much.
Lyrics
My heart is harder than a stone
And only wakes to play,
But not to humbly think upon
My sins of yesterday.
The last night's failures well might make
My callous heart to grieve
If I would stop to contemplate.
If I would just perceive.
Oh! Hard, harder than a stone,
My icy, frozen heart!
You ask for all
But still I've kept
Some chambers barred.
Oh, Lord! You see my frozen heart,
And Oh! How little love.
I owe you all, but give you part.
Send healing from above.
Oh keep it tender! Keep it soft!
Do not be distant long.
Send down your warming rays of grace,
And I'll send up a song.
Oh! Melt, melt the ice away
And do not hide your face.
I give my heart.
Claim every part.
Leave no more space.
The saints, they all lament and cry,
They fall before your throne.
Give me their hearts, and then shall I.
Lord, roll away this stone.
Oh, make my heart much softer still,
That by your gracious hand
A deep impression may be made,
From every small command.
Oh! Hard, harder than a stone,
My icy frozen heart!
You ask for all
But still I've kept
Some chambers barred.
Oh! melt, melt the ice away
And do not hide your face.
I give my heart.
Claim every part.
Leave no more space.
Oh! Make my heart still softer, for
I'm like your mourning dove.
I mourn because I cannot mourn,
But, Lord, you have my love.
Oh keep it tender! Keep it soft
Until my final days.
And I will set my lowest string,
Unto a song of praise.
Oh! Melt, melt my heart again
To rivers of remorse,
And turn the weeping waters
To a better course.
Lord, soften my heart again
And tune it to your voice.
Take every heartbeat captive
For a joyful noise.
