Songs for a holy week...
It is Holy Week in the Christian Calendar, the week leading up tp Easter.
The date of Easter, and Holy Week, changes, each year. The stories of of life, death, and resurrection take on many interpretations and yet hold ideas in constant across time.
These three songs work for reflection during this time and at other times of year as well. Whatever your faith may be, or not, they hold ideas worth thinking about.
Only one of the stories told through these songs has directly to do with the events of Holy Week. We will get to that song in a moment, but first, have a listen to this one: Jesus Met the Woman at the Well.
There are many versions of it. I have always liked Peter, Paul, and Mary’s version of it best myself.
This is from a 1965 performance at Newport. You will find in recorded on Peter, Paul, and Mary’s album In Concert from the 1960s (it has been reissued issued on CD too) and in the film and on the soundtrack album of Peter Paul and Mary: At Newport 1963-1965.
You may find Coaineadh na dTri Muire/Lament of the Three Marys being sung in Ireland on Good Friday.
It is s story of Mary seeking her son through the streets as he was carrying his cross, and of her meeting up with him and what they said to each other. You may find out more about the lyrics and the story here.
Cathie Ryan has recorded the song on her album The Music of What Happens.
Bright Morning Star is not meant specifically for Easter, but it works for the ideas of hope that go along with the day and the season.
Cara Dillon sings it here. She is accompanied by her musical partner and husband Sam Lakeman. You will find it recorded on her album Live at Cooper Hall, and in a version on Cara’s album A Thousand Hearts with several more backing musicians in addition to Sam joining in.
Each of these songs has its origin from traditional sources. Words and music, stories and ideas, handed down, kept strong, and made new again through the gifts of these artists.
You may also wish to see
Songs for an Easter Weekend: meditative pieces from Scottish musicians Nicola Benedetti and Julie Fowlis
More from Scotland: Emily Smith sings Glory Bound by written by Canadian musician Ruth Moody