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#67 JOSEPH (Original version)

by Peter Kearney

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FULL LYRICS BELOW + INFO ON RELATED RESOURCES

Joseph lived in troubled times, dangerous times. In writing this song, I asked myself what traits of character were needed for Joseph to get through those times. I thought of his journey with Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where no room was available, so a stable was found and Mary's baby was born there. I thought of their long journey into Egypt as a family of refugees, fleeing the persecution of King Herod, and of what it was like to live in Nazareth, under the ruthless military occupation of the Romans. Troubled times, dangerous times.

This recording of the song is included on my 'Celebration+' CD. Music for the song is in the 'Celebration+' CD-Rom. See more information on these resources below.

Another recording - plain and simple with voice and guitar only is Song-Post #29. Go to: peterkearney.bandcamp.com/track/29-joseph

lyrics

JOSEPH
In the dusty town of Nazareth
Where you worked at the joiner’s trade
Sturdy chairs and tables
Were the things that Joseph made;
It was there that your son Jesus
Became a joiner too -
Good Saint Joseph was he glad to learn from you?

You had been through so much trouble
In the days that lay behind
From Bethlehem to Egypt
But still your heart was kind.
And in all the jingle-jangle
And the rush of every day
You were quiet like a river on its way.

And you lived in times of danger
That were hard to understand
When Rome was like a giant
Striding right across your land.
Yes, Rome was like a giant
But you saw the feet of clay -
Help us Joseph to see as clear today.

And I wonder how it happened
That your family was so poor?
Was it from the day the Romans
Came and knocked upon your door
And you would not build their crosses
No matter what the pay?
I wonder Joseph, did it happen just that way?

In the dusty town of Nazareth
Where you worked at the joiner’s trade
Sturdy chairs and tables
Were the things that Joseph made.
With your hands so firm yet gentle
And your heart so strong and true -
Good Saint Joseph I’d be glad to learn from you.
Good Saint Joseph I’d be glad to learn from you.

Words & music by Peter Kearney

credits

released February 25, 2021
AVAILABLE RESOURCES for 'JOSEPH'
1. CELEBRATION+ CD - Contains the song 'Joseph' (the recording heard here) and fifteen other tracks.
The link to this item in my online store is: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/356139
2. CELEBRATION+ CD-ROM - Contains music, chords lyrics etc) for the song 'Joseph' and fifteen other songs. The link to this item in my online store is: peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/554036
The custom CD-Rom replaces the original music book, now out of print.
3. PDF MUSIC for 'Joseph': peterkearneysongs.com.au/product/566497

COPYRIGHT © Peter Kearney. This song is registered with ONE LICENSE, APRA and AMCOS. Church and school licences through 'One License'.

RECORDING
Windwood Studio, Lawson. Sound engineer - Jeff Todd.
Produced and arranged by Peter Kearney
Peter Kearney – vocals, guitar, recorders and dulcimer.
Claire Parkhill - piano.

ARTWORK. The black & white drawing featured in the track-image is by Dorothy Woodward.
Visit Dorothy's webpage: peterkearneysongs.com.au/dorothy-woodward-art

TO HEAR OTHER SONG-POSTS: peterkearney.bandcamp.com

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Peter Kearney image

Peter Kearney Mittagong, Australia

Peter Kearney is an Australian songwriter and singer. His early folk-hymns 'Fill My House' & 'The Beatitudes' are internationally known. He has written many other songs of justice and peace, songs for children, and a musical-narrative on St. Francis of Assisi. His published recordings include 153 original songs.

LINKS BELOW are for Peter's:
- Website
- Online store
- Facebook Artist Page. ... more

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