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How Long?By Elton Smith, Steve Israel and Larry HolderCCLI Number: 3031669I was driving home from the airport at night coming home from a business trip when I started humming this tune. The style is sometimes refered to as "spiritual". We tried very hard to make the lyrics match the style. Because of all the tempo changes in the beginning, this seems to be intended for a choir, but it could be sung by a congregation with a more even tempo. Many thanks to Steve and Larry for their help with the lyrics. - Elton, October 8, 1999 ![]() ![]() (Verse 1)
When I was just a little child My mama said to me, She said, "child, don't you ever be discouraged. The Lord provides your every need, Be patient while he grows the seed, And soon we will join the harvest song of joy". (Chorus 1) Out in the fields we labor every day And as we share the Word we often say, "How long, how long till our Lord arrives, And we are taken to our home on high?". (Verse 2) My mama taught me how to work She taught me how to pray. She prayed, "Lord, please have mercy on Your servant. Our life is hard, our labor long, But through Your mercy we are strong. O, bring us the rest You promised long ago." (Chorus 2) How long, how long, O Lord till Your return? Waiting for You, O Lord, our hearts do yearn To be with You and Your face to see. How long, how long, before You set us free? (Bridge) How long O Lord till Your return? O Lord, we pray You hear our cry. We long to be Finally free, And plant our feet in Paradise. (Verse 3) When I was grown and on my own Lord called my mama home There to live in that mansion built in Glory. One day I'll see her face again, The gates of heav'n I'll enter in. Praise God, no longer will I have to say: (Chorus 3) How long, how long, O Lord till Your return? Waiting for You, O Lord, our hearts do yearn. We'll keep the faith till You do arrive, Coming to take us to our home on high! (Ending) We'll keep the faith till You do arrive, Coming to take us to our home on high! Our home on high! Copyright © 1999 Elton Smith, Steve Israel and Larry Holder ![]() This song has been displayed 21136 times. This is the mobile version of Songs of Praise. You are using a desktop computer. Try viewing the page on your smart phone. |
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Thank you for your questions. This song has not been recorded yet, but maybe we will. It needs a choir, which is challenging. - Elton (mail_AT_mwnorris_DOT_co_DOT_uk)
2021-05-16