anywhere is home

our little band has been playing more often for church, which I've certainly enjoyed. and we're growing again, adding another Joe, who is multi-talented with multiple instruments. we're backing him on an old appalachian hymn called "Anywhere is Home." I've included the text below, and you can hear a cheesy midi of the tune here. of course we've countrified it a bit, and even got Jim to play by ear (being from the read-it-off-the-page camp is a little tough in our group). having Joe and Joe on the vocals is quite nice, and I get to add some flavor with the mando. yum.

next time we'll do Jesus Everlasting King in the Indelible Grace style, with me on lead vocals. I'm never particularly comfortable singing lead, but with at least 2 guys harmonizing and a whole bunch of instruments (guitar(s), banjo, bass, hand drum, possible mando), it should sound pretty good.

Joe mentioned that the words to Anywhere is Home ring true in light of many who have lost their homes in the recent disaster. so here's the text to the old hymn, which was undoubtedly sung by shape-singers in the hills not far from here.

Earthly wealth and fame may never come to me,
And a palace fair here mine may never be;
But let come what may, if Christ for me doth care,
Anywhere is home, if He is only there.

Refrain:
Anywhere is home, let come and go what may;
Anywhere I roam, He keeps me all the way;
So for His dear sake, my cross I’ll meekly bear;
Anywhere is home, if Christ, my Lord, is there.

Oh, I’m tossed about and driven by the foe,
Sad within, without, wherever I may go;
But I press along, still looking up in prayer,
For it’s home, sweet home, if Christ is only there.

I will labor on till I am called away,
Till the morn shall dawn of that eternal day,
Looking unto Him who keeps me in His care;
Anywhere is home, if Christ, my Lord, is there.