All Men are but Mortal

Yesterday I was not feeling well. So, instead of sitting idle, I decided to sit in front a microphone. And, sitting in front of me was a hymn on a crumpled up piece of paper that I had charted called All Men Living are but Mortal. However, I was not really in the mood to play a bunch of chords that were kind of difficult, so I just played thee open chords in a guitar tuning called dadgad. Then, I started messing with a quasi tune and messed with the lyrics. Pretty soon I had forgotten I was feeling bad, opened up Protools, turned on a drum sampler, picked a groove, and did some tracking.

Now, I really like my strat (electric guitar), and every once in a while I like to play a little loud. Yesterday was one of those once-in-a-whiles. So, after cranking it up, picking up the bass, putting in an organ track and adding background vocals – I had a song – even if it is pretty simple and essentially a rehash of an old tune of mine called “I’m About to Fall…” The best part is it made me dwell on that great and glorious day that shall never pass for the better part of an afternoon.

(Disclaimer: with all the hymn rewrites out there, it may be wise to say that I would have no intention for this to be sung by a congregation; one listen should make that clear…)

So, just for fun, here’s a very re-written hymn – free. You don”t even have to give your email. Enjoy it – or not…. but, leave a comment, be it encouraging or scathing. I’d love to know what you think.

Download here: All Men are but Mortal

Here are the lyrics:
All Men are but Mortal

All men are but mortal, all flesh fades like grass
Only through deaths portal to, eternal life we pass
This body here must perish, before it gains reward
Heavenly joys to cherish, for the ransomed of the Lord

When God will choose it, I will yield my life
But I won’t grieve to lose it, for with sorrows it was rife
In my dear Redeemers merit, in death my comfort this
Peace has found my troubled spirit, and His death is my source of bliss

It was for my sake, my salvation to obtain
Death and hell for me are ended, peace and hope are now my gain
Yeah, with joy I leave earth’s sadness, forever I will see
The home of heavenly gladness, and God the Holy Trinity

There is joy beyond our telling, where so many saints have gone
Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling, worshipping before the throne
There are angels, angels singing, Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord,
Evermore in chorus joining, The one God is there adored!

And oh how glorious shines that city fair
I hear the song victorious, sweetly sounding there
Oh the bliss that there surprises, the break of day I see
Like the sun of morning now arises, and shall never end for me!

Yeah I see what here was told, see that wondrous glory shine
Feel the spotless robes enfold me, and know a golden crown is mine
Before the throne so glorious, gazing on that endless day
I stand a soul victorious, that shall never pass away…..