Bio.
Kenneth Cope
- Website
- Links
- Genres
Christian & Gospel
Description.
Kenneth Cope says, “I was born to point people to God. Through song, through words, through every medium available to me. I proclaim my Lord’s glorious gospel, and do the greatest good I possibly can to my fellowmen. And while I have all these artistic tools for my use, I’m to accomplish my purpose through love.”
Kenneth grew up in a family full of musicians, his mother was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at the age of 18. Kenneth devotes his success to hard work. “I worked pretty hard to develop my talents. Then, when an opportunity came along, I guess I was ready-prepared to take it.”
He has released 17 albums, including a lot of work done for years with EFY CDs. Kenneth has also found great success through his song-writing and story-telling. Those that have listen to his music understand that the music created by Kenneth Cope is unique and shares with it’s listeners a love for his talent.
Recent video.
Bright sounds and worshipful lyrics are what this album is all about. Actually, it’s All About You! Contemporary and fresh, All About You is a collection of songs filled with meaning and praise as only Kenneth Cope can create. Perfect for every day and every family member, this album will infuse you with energy, lift your spirit, and turn your eyes to God — because really, it’s all about Him.
Click here to purchase
Track List:
- All About You
- Fire of God
- His Name is Love
- Broken
- Where You Are
- Tell Me
- Him, and Him Alone
- It’s Still You
- See You in the Morning
- Moe
- Your Father’s Child
Lyrics:
ALL ABOUT YOU
(written by Kenneth Cope)
All about You, all about You
For me, Lord, it’s all about You
I may be a word on the street
But You’re the talk of the town
I’m just a drop in the bucket
You’re the flood coming down
I know You’ve said that, for You, it’s all about us
And You prove it with all that You do
But, for me, Lord
For me, Lord, it’s all about You
CHORUS:
(All about You) All about You
Yeah, for me, Lord, it’s all about You
(All about You) Yeah, all about You
Gonna tell the world all about
YouI may be a light on the hill
But You’re the blazing of day
I’m just a piece of the puzzle
You’re the Truth and the Way
And it’s awkward for me to be lavished with praise
When it’s You who should get Your due
So from this day on
I’m insisting it’s all about You
REPEAT CHORUS
You’re the One behind the sun and moon and starlit skies
You’re the breath of all that runs and crawls and swims and flies
You’re behind every tree, (behind) every mountain and sea (You hide)
And You’ve managed to keep from view (what I will do)
I’m gonna hold You up, gonna make a fuss
Gonna tell the world all about You
Gonna tell the world all about You
Gonna tell the world all about You
(All about You) All about You
Gonna tell the world all about You
(All about You) Yeah, all about You
Gonna tell the world all about You
We’re the reason You do what You do
But for me, Lord, it’s all about You
You’re the reason I do what I do
’Cause for me, Lord, it’s all about You
You’re the reason I do what I do
Yeah, for me, Lord, it’s all about You
(All about You) So all about You
Yeah, for me, Lord, it’s all about You
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
FIRE OF GOD
(written by Kenneth Cope)
I’m beginning to feel it—so come on
Eleven, twelve, thirteen—emerging anxious and aware
Yearning for the burning, searching for the sign
Then fourteen, fifteen, and sixteen—I’d see more than my share
The times I felt His fire, I was so much more alive
Seventeen, eighteen—and craving the fanning of the flame
Sometimes waiting, but always more to come
Then at nineteen and twenty—He sent me to labor for His name
A time when we were one
My will was offered up and consumed in the fire of God
CHORUS:
It’s a power that I can’t explain
As it flows and it grows and it shapes my faith
There’ve been hundreds of moments I can’t deny
When I brushed against the fire, or dwelt in the fire of God
Warmed by the fire, wondrous fire of God
A decade of twenties—He led me to learn among the world
Finding me a lady, and starting up a home
And love fueled the journey—our thirties were melted into gold
With children of our own
The glimpse we caught of heaven’s throne was steeled in the fire of God
REPEAT CHORUS
Lighted words sent to purge my soul
Holy feelings, impressions to mark the road
There’ve been staggering signs and I’ll watch for more
When I’m caught up in the fire, immersed in the fire of God
I’m living for the fire
Longing for the fire
Swept up in the fire
Can’t live without the fire
It’s a power that I can’t explain
As it flows and it grows and it shapes my faith
There’ve been thousands of moments I won’t deny
Forged in the fire…
REPEAT CHORUS
So filled with the fire, awesome fire of God
Can you feel the fire?
Come, and feel the fire of God
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
BROKEN
(Words by Kenneth Cope; Music by Kenneth & Eliza Cope)
—inspired by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Broken clouds give rain
Broken soil grows grain
Broken bread feeds man for one more day
Broken storms yield light
The break of day heals night
Broken pride turns blindness into sight
Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
Could it be that God loves broken things
Broken chains set free
Broken swords bring peace
Broken walls make friends of you and me
To break the ranks of sin
To break the news of Him
To put on Christ till His name feels broken in
Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
I believe that God loves broken things
And yet, our broken faith, our broken promises
Sent love to the cross
And still, that broken flesh, that broken heart of His
Offers us such grace and mercy
Covers us with love undeserving
This broken soul that cries for mending
This broken heart for offering
I’m convinced that God loves broken me
Praise His name—my God loves broken things
So, broken cloud—Give rain
And broken soil—Grow grain
And broken bread—Feed man for one more day
© 2004 Merge Right Music (BMI)
HIS NAME IS LOVE
(written by Kenneth Cope)
My name is Ego—I desire to be admired
And the center of attention
My name is Pride—it’s true my thoughts and ways are higher
Every rule needs an exception
CHORUS:
He leaves the fold to find me
His touch reclaims, reminds me
His face is hope, His name is Love
My name’s Impatience—I’ve got better things to wait on
Can’t it just work out the first time?
My name is Anger—all this bottled-up frustration
Shows in outbursts of the worse kind
REPEAT CHORUS
He’s writing His name on my heart
Working the change from the inside
Pouring out grace from the start
With nothing but love
My name is Condemnation—I’ve got two eyes that watch for fault
And ears to catch you
My name is Rumor—I’ve a tongue that runs to mischief
And a heart that sees right past you
REPEAT CHORUS
He’s writing His name on my heart
Working the change from the inside
Pouring out grace from the start
With nothing but love
My name’s Forgetful—I get panicked in the moment
Though His love’s come to astound me
My name’s Unsteady—seems I’m almost touching heaven
Or sin is crashing down around me
REPEAT CHORUS
Oh, Lord, don’t fail to find me
Reclaim, reform, refine me
Till my face is hope, and my name is Love
My name is Weakness—My name is Fallen
His name is Jesus
His name is Love
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
WHERE YOU ARE
(written by Rich Mullins & Beaker
)CHORUS:
I’m talkin’ Daniel in the den of the lions
Talkin’ Jonah in the belly of a whale
I’m talkin’ three Hebrew children
And they’re standing in the furnace, the fiery furnace
But the fire didn’t burn them
And the lions didn’t bite
And the Lord reached down and you can be sure that
Everything turned out right
Oh you’ll meet the Lord in the furnace
Long time ’fore you meet Him in the sky
And where you are ain’t where you wish that you was
’Cause your life ain’t easy and the road is rough
But where you are is where He promised to be
From the ends of the world to every point of need
REPEAT CHORUS
Meet Him in your time of trial
Meet Him in your hour of prayer
You can reach out and I’ll bet
You’ll find that He’s right there
Where you are, however grim it may seem
This is real life now—this ain’t no Hollywood dream
And where you are, no matter what you may face
You’re gonna find out real soon, what They mean They say
REPEAT CHORUS
Meet Him in your time of trial
Meet Him in your hour of prayer
You can reach out and I’ll bet
You’ll find that He’s there
And the fire won’t burn you
And the lions won’t bite
And the Lord will reach down and you can be sure that
Everything will turn out all right
Oh, you’ll meet the Lord in the furnace
Long time ’fore you meet Him in the sky
Then you’ll meet Him in the sky
© 1991 Edward Grant, Inc. (ASCAP) / Kid Brothers of St. Frank’s Publishing (ASCAP)
TELL ME
(written by Kenneth Cope)
Voices surround me, all set to confound me
Damaging hope and fostering fear
Rules and commandments ring heavy handed
In my ears, loud and clear
Sins, and omissions, laws and conditions
And, while I feel the need to make these known
Who’ll speak of heaven’s every intention
To make me whole, and bring me home?
CHORUS:
Tell me, tell of a God that won’t slow down
That will not rest till I am found
Tell of His heart that won’t let go
His arms that long to hold me
Tell me, tell of that Love that knows my face
And speaks my name
Tell me
Promises, favors, but never for failures
So how can I ever measure up?
I need a Shepherd ready for effort
Who’ll spare no cost to find the lost
REPEAT CHORUS
Tell me, tell of a Lord that won’t slow down…
Tell me, tell me all about Them
Tell me
I need to hear more said about Them
Tell me
Won’t someone else beside me tell me?
Tell me
Tell me, tell of Their search that won’t slow down
That They won’t rest till I am found
Tell of Their hearts that won’t let go
Their arms that long to hold me
Tell me, tell of that love that knows my face
And speaks my name
Tell me
Tell me
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
HIM, AND HIM ALONE
(written by Kenneth Cope)
Him, and Him alone
Bowed to the ground as the weight of sins fell crushing Him alone
Blood on His face when the powers of hell rushed in on Him alone
Scorched with the pains of eternal fire engulfing Him alone
Him, and Him alone
CHORUS:
How could I think it’s mine to merit
Or speak of my share in it
This saving work He wrought alone
I’ve been a fool to believe I’d earn it
Or suppose I could deserve it
By words and deeds I’d call my own
From this day on
I know I’m saved by Him alone
Him, and Him alone
Scorned and abused though redeeming love would spring from Him alone
The sword of God’s vengeance for broken law swung down on Him alone
Hung on a cross till He cried “It’s finished”—just Him alone
Him, and Him alone
REPEAT CHORUS
His cross and death are foolishness to those who do not know this
They trust in flesh and look another way
But blessed are those who place their hope in Him alone
For He is mighty
He alone is mighty to save
I will not think it’s mine to merit
Or speak of my share in it
This saving work He’s wrought alone
No more the fool to believe I’d earn it
Or suppose I could deserve it
By words and deeds I’d call my own
From this day on
I know I’m saved by Him alone
My Lord and God
I’ll look to Him, and Him alone
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
IT’S STILL YOU
(written by Kenneth Cope)
Bowing in awe of You, wanting to follow You
Tirelessly trying, but hopelessly flawed
Failing and fretting, each fall more upsetting
So near to regretting the child You made me
Bankrupt and begging more time to pay what’s due
But, then I learned the truth
After all I can do, it’s still You, it’s still You
You have come and corrected my view
Though I strain in pursuit, even all I can do, it’s still You
CHORUS:
After all I can do, it’s still You
After all I can do, it’s still You, it’s still You
After all I can do, it’s still You
After all—even all I can do—after all I can do, it’s still You
Grateful for grace, recognizing Your face
In the image You trace on this natural man
Blessed metamorphosis—heaven transforming this spirit
Reborn to a bright beginning
Changing the heart from its dark and sinful hue
It’s what You do
After all I can do, it’s still You, it’s still You
You’re the Vine that gives the branches their fruit
There’s no hope to be holy and new without abiding in You
REPEAT CHORUS
God, great Father, You love the heart in its meekness
You delight to give strength where there’s weakness
If we’ll come to You
O Lord, Jesus—bountiful, merciful Savior
You delight to grant pardon and favor
If we’ll trust in You
Who will trust in You?
After all I can do, it’s still You, it’s still You
But You don’t wait till it’s all I can do
From the start till we’re through it is You, Lord
It’s still You
REPEAT CHORUS
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
SEE YOU IN THE MORNING
(written by Kenneth Cope)
Joker and saint
A little older in body
But so much older in faith
When we were just children
It was all fun and games
Till a flaw in our bloodlines
Made a home in his veins
The doc reassured him he’d be fine
Still he came home afraid to close his eyes at night
And no coaxing could prevail
Till I found these words to say
I’ll see you in the morning
When we rise and shine
When the light of tomorrow’s sun
Wakes up our eyes
We’ll take up once again at dawning
As if there never was a night
You’ll be seeing me
I’ll be seeing you
In the morning
And so it went
For days and years of mornings
But then without a warning
His eyes refused to see me one morning
And soon the blackness turned to storming
Till it had washed away all hope for another morning
He was sure only God could turn the tide
So he relinquished his will to live or die
And as his breath began to fade
And I thought my heart would break
He knew just what to say
I’ll see you on that morning
When I rise and shine
When the light of heaven’s Son
Wakes up these eyes
We’ll take up once again at dawning
As if there never was a night
You’ll be seeing me
I’ll be seeing you
In the morning
Look for me brother
I’ll come running to you, running to you, running
On that morning
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
MORE
(written by Kenneth Cope)
More steady, more sure
More trusted, more pure
Some say it doesn’t matter
More trained and more aware
More aim to get me there
I climb this far
You raise the bar
You want my heart
CHORUS:
More fierce desire
To stand against the wind
More blazing fire
When dark is closing in
More love inspired change within
So there’s more and more of me to give
More words to learn and know
More etched upon my soul
Some say it doesn’t matter
More tried, more true
Less me, and much more You
I stretch this tall
You sound the call
You want my all
REPEAT CHORUS
You keep reaching out—You’re calling out to me for
More strengthened shoulders
To face the war with sin
More wise and bolder
To save the souls of men
A more faithful soldier to the end
You want more and more of me to give
More and more of me to give
More love, more light, more purpose, more serve with all my might
I need more hope, more faith, more patience, each day I pray for more
More and more of me to give
More fire, more zeal, more spirit to know what’s real
More courage, more joy, more, more and more of me to give
More grateful, more true, more humble to trust and do
You call, I hear
I’ll walk the path that’s set in stone
My heart is fixed on getting home
And what on earth could ever matter more?
More and more of me to give
More
© 2004 Merge Right Music (BMI)
YOUR FATHER’S CHILD
(written by Kenneth Cope)
Strong and wise—captivating eyes
Magnificent being
Spirit bright, emanating light
Now hid from our seeing
You forget who you are
You, who outshone the stars
Amazing smile
You are your Father’s child
Son of Man, at the Lord’s right hand
Anointed as Savior
Power and grace, filling endless space
Reduced to a manger
He’d forget who He was
He, who outshone the sun
Yet, all the while
He was His Father’s child
Now there were none before or after like Him
He was God with us and is God still
In life and death His love for us defined Him
And to do His Father’s will
And so He came to save
Because you are your Father’s child
Here and now, when the fire goes out
And it keeps you from singing
When sad and gray seem to steal away
All joy and all meaning
When you’re broken in two
When your heart says you’re through
Come alive
You’re still your Father’s child
Find that smile
And be your Father’s child
© 2007 God Stories (BMI)
Your favorite songs from his greatest albums, together on one CD! The CD also includes four never-before released recordings. Listeners everywhere will love this hand-picked collection of inspirational songs! Songs inclue; His Hands, Never a Better Hero, Man in the Sun, White Dress, and more!
Click here to purchase
Track List:
- His Hands
- Never a Better Hero
- Man in the Sun
- Eden’s Garden
- ‘arpenter’s Son
- White Dress
- Gethsemane
And many others!
Joseph Smith the Prophet of the Restoration. Walk by his side as he grows in testimony, rejoices with angels, sorrows in tribulation, finds peace from the Savior and holds out faithful until death. My Servant Joseph Kenneth Copes landmark album, reminds us of the importance of the Prophet’s great mission.
Click here to purchase
Track List:
- Birthright
- They Kingdom Come
- Learning for Myself
- My Servant Joseph
- Tiny Hands
- Founding Zion
- Go With Me
- Sleigh Ride
- Going As a Lamb
- Man of Sorrows
- Miraculous Nauvoo
- Brothers
- Tears Flowing Fast
- O Lord My God
- Why Must the Good Die/ Free At Last
- Come Follow Me
Lyrics:
1)Birthright
© 2000 Merge Right Music/Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
Assistance with Hebrew translation: D. Kelly Ogden
The Jews have a long standing tradition concerning a “secondary messianic figure” who will make his earthly appearance before the glorious coming of the Christ. They refer to him as “the Messiah son of (i.e., of the tribe of) Joseph (or Ephraim), whose coming precedes that of the Messiah, son of David, and who will die in combat with the enemies of God and Israel.” (Encyclopedia Judaica, volume 11, column 1411.)
ben Abraham son of Abraham
ben Yitzhak son of Isaac
ben Ya’akob son of Jacob
ebed nivkhar chosen servant
ben Yosef son of Joseph
ben Efraim son of Ephraim
navi kadosh l’Elohim holy prophet of God
l’daber b’ad Elohim to speak for God
2)Thy Kingdom Come
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“The spiritual powers [of the Church] have been not only corrupted . . . but absolutely destroyed . . . . Christianity has ceased to exist among those who should have preserved it.” (Martin Luther, 16th Century.)
“There is no . . . church on earth, nor any person qualified to administer any church ordinances; nor can there be until new apostles are sent by the Great Head of the Church for whose coming I am seeking.” (Roger Williams, 17th Century.)
“The religion builders have so distorted and deformed the doctrines of Jesus . . . . [I am] happy in the prospect of a restoration of primitive Christianity . . . .” (Thomas Jefferson, 18th Century.)
Hear us Lord, hear us Lord
God most holy, God of glory
Thou wast turned away
Men set in motion, truth’s erosion
Down to the latter day
O let Thy living voice be heard
Guide us Lord who love Thy word
CHORUS:
Helper of man most willing
All of Thy words fulfilling
Father and Son – Thy kingdom come
Thou hast spoken (opened the heavens)
By Thy chosen, (angels and men)
Then Thy speaking ceased
Now this chaos (Lord have mercy)
Who will save us (Mercy Lord)
Lord we turn to Thee
Promises through prophets past
Assure that Thou wouldst send us
Prophets at the last
REPEAT CHORUS
Thy will be done on earth by men
As is in heaven
Give us this day the heavenly Bread
Forgive our sin as Thou hast said
Speak once again
CHORUS
Let us be our Father’s daughters
And become our Father’s sons
Thy kingdom come
3)Learning For Myself
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“I [had] learned for myself . . . that a man who lacked wisdom might ask of God, and obtain . . . .” (Joseph Smith-History 1:20, 26.)
Younger and so unsure
Where could I turn to find my way
And the witness I thirsted for could I obtain
Then how it came to me
I heard the words of long ago
“Ask Him and you’ll receive”
And now I can say I know
CHORUS:
I’m learning for myself
Trusting He will tell
Doubting no more
Learning for myself
There are those who deny my words
They refuse to believe that God will speak
But the voice they know not I’ve heard
I’ve felt His will for me
REPEAT CHORUS
He is the surest way
To know of Him, go to Him
For He speaks to those who believe
And I believe
So He keeps leading me
REPEAT CHORUS
I will knock at the door
And keep learning for myself
4)My Servant Joseph
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“Thus saith the Lord God . . . A choice seer will I raise up . . . and unto him will I give a commandment that he shall do a work for . . . his brethren. . . . And out of weakness shall he be made strong . . . . and his name shall be called Joseph, and it shall be after the name of his father; and . . . the thing which [I] the Lord shall bring forth by his hand shall bring my people unto salvation.” (JST Genesis 50:27-33; 2 Nephi 3:7-15.)
Hear the words of Christ, your Redeemer
He who liveth, He who was slain
The Lord Almighty
Whose ways will never change
I now come down from heaven
And call on thee to labor for my cause
Thou shalt be called a prophet and a seer
To lead my people, feed my sheep
Build up my Zion
Reveal the words I speak
That all who hear and hearken
(Hear and hearken)
Shall receive salvation from the Lord
CHORUS:
My servant Joseph
Thy name is Joseph
Saints follow Joseph
My servant Joseph
The voice of the Lord is unto every nation
All must answer, none shall escape
Heed my disciples sent in these latter days
Make clear the way before me
I soon come to reign upon the earth
REPEAT CHORUS
Look to Joseph, trust in Joseph
His name is Joseph
My servant Joseph
5)Tiny Hands
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“. . . I . . . beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.” (D&C 137:10.)
“. . . pointing to the mother of a lifeless child, [the Prophet Joseph] said . . . ‘You will have the joy, the pleasure, and satisfaction of nurturing this child, after its resurrection, until it reaches the full stature of its spirit.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, pp. 454-56.)
(Emma)
Another pair of tiny hands
To lay beneath the clay
Slumbering little baby eyes
To wake another day
O God of heaven, come guard this bed
And let this angel sleep
Till earth is pure for tiny hands
And safe for tiny feet
(Joseph)
A wondrous little baby smile
The hope of things to be
Born to face a troubled world
For a moment, and then set free
O God of heaven, take hate from man
Till lambs and lions feed
And make earth pure for tiny hands
And safe for tiny feet
Tiny hands
Angel hands
Perfect hands
Blameless hands
(Both)
Lifeless hands resting in the night
Waiting for the light
When life will follow
O God of heaven, send Christ again
Bring in His reign of peace
Let earth turn pure
For tiny hands
And safe for tiny feet
Then give back my child to me
6)Founding Zion
Arrangement © 2000 Merge Right Music/Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
Music: Henry Tucker / Anon.
Text: William W. Phelps
“. . . it is after the Lord has built up Zion that He will appear in His glory. We all look for the appearing of . . . our Savior Jesus Christ, but we shall look in vain until Zion is built, for Zion is to be [His] dwelling place . . . when He comes.” (the Bishopric of Kirtland, History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 516.)
“And the Lord called his people ZION, because they were of one heart and one mind, and dwelt in righteousness; and there was no poor among them.” (Moses 7:18.)
Hosanna to those days ahead
The Savior’s second coming
When all the earth in glorious bloom
Affords the Saints a holy home
Like Adam-ondi-Ahman
Our blessed Zion
7)Go With Me
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“. . . God hath not revealed anything to Joseph, but what He will make known unto . . . even the least Saint . . . as fast as he is able to bear [it] . . . .” (History of the Church, vol. 3, p. 380.)
“. . . it is your privilege to purify yourselves and come up to the same glory, and see for yourselves, and know for yourselves. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” (History of the Church, vol. 1, p. 284.)
God begins again
To work His wonder from the clouds
Words of sleeping prophets
Rise as treasure from the ground
Messengers from heaven speak to man on earth
This man has heard
Knowledge long forgotten
Now is given Face to face
Light is bursting forth
And turning darkness into day
Man can know his Maker if only he’ll receive
This man has seen
Go with me to Cumorah
Go with me, hear the angels voice
Learn of truths taught now from heaven
And what’s soon to be
Go with me
Would to God that all
Could speak the mind and will of heaven
None would need be taught
To know the kingdom come again
Why will man not hearken
God can make you free
Why not believe
Believe
Go with me to the angels
Go with me, feel the hand of power
Hear the voice proclaim salvation
And restore the keys
Go with me
Go with me to living waters
Drink and bow the knee
Taste the love of heaven
Yes, come and see
Come and see
Go with me on to glory
Go with me through the heavenly gate
Find your place with saints and angels
In the world of peace, go with me
Go with me past the angels
Go with me to the throne of grace
To the presence of the Father
And to Jesus, come
Go with me, go with me
8)Sleigh Ride
© 2000 Merge Right Music/Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
Joseph rejoiced in the temporal earth God had created for humankind, “to please the eye and to gladden the heart…and to enliven the soul.” (D&C 59:18, 19.) He knew the long-term value of regularly “unstringing the bow.” At Kirtland, over the course of a few months, just before the temple’s dedication, Joseph mentioned in his history more than a dozen times something about sleigh riding. To quote a few: “Fine sleighing, and the snow yet falling” (History of the Church, Vol. 2, p. 323); “Had a fine ride—sleighing good, weather pleasant” (Ibid., p. 324); “Beautiful morning, indeed, and fine sleighing” (Ibid., p. 328); “. . . snow is still falling fast, and the prospect is fair for another run of sleighing . . . .” (Ibid., p. 406.)
9)Going As A Lamb
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music
“If thou art called to pass through tribulation . . . know thou . . . that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.” (D&C 122:5-7.)
(Joseph)
Tribulation for salvation
Lead me, Lord, to Thee
(Emma)
Why are they taking you again
Tearing you from my outstretched hands
Living hands that ease the burdens of your heart
Hands that ache for love when we’re apart
Will it never stop
Yet we’ve counted the cost
I am going as a lamb
(Joseph III)
Father, O Father
Why can’t you stay with us
Father, dear Father
Must they take you away from us
What will they do with you
(Joseph)
Now the sword is drawn
And I can’t look on
I am going as a lamb
If they slay you Joseph
I am sure to die
Emma, give me words of consolation
For without you husband, I can’t live
Now my heart is broken
I won’t live
You must live
My grief can’t be spoken
Let heaven give comfort once again
I can’t live
Think of the children, you must live
Think of me
(Both)
Lord be near
Tribulation
For salvation
(Both)
Lead me, Lord, to Thee
So the day may come
That your work is done
And I’ll be going as a lamb
To die
10)Man Of Sorrows
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“The Son of Man hath descended below . . . all [things].” (D&C 122:8.)
“He [was] despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief . . .” (Mosiah 14:3.)
“. . . he [has suffered] pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind . . . . that his bowels may be filled with mercy, . . . that he may know . . . how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” (Alma 7:11-12.)
Man of sorrows, man of grief
First believed, then betrayed
Thou who knows me, Friend most sure
Man of counsel, help me to endure
King of mercy, Lord of love
Ease the way, calm the storm
I am hated for Thy sake
Come and rescue, Savior, don’t delay
Thou, dear Lord, has passed below it all
Felt all pain, every help withdrawn
That Thou may have mercy
Have mercy
Help me, come to me
Source of comfort, Prince of peace
Fear’s relief, faith’s reward
I am weary, used and worn
Dear Redeemer, heal and make me whole
Man of sorrows
Jesus, take me home
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
11)Miraculous Nauvoo
© 2000 Merge Right Music/Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
After escaping prison in Missouri and arriving in Illinois, it wasn’t long before Joseph began preparations for the founding of a city. The land chosen was “literally a wilderness . . . mostly covered with trees and bushes, and much of it so wet that it was with the utmost difficulty a footman could get through . . . so [unhealthy], very few could live there; but believing that it might become a [healthy] place by the blessing of heaven to the Saints . . . I considered it wisdom to make an attempt to build up a city.” (History of the Church, Vol. 3, p. 375) And so by channeling the water, a city began to grow from what had been an uninhabitable swamp. It was soon named Nauvoo, a Hebrew term, signifying a beautiful place. A city plat was drawn up, buildings began to appear, streets were leveled, and converts began to pour in from all over. The missionary effort had won many souls, especially in the British Isles. The Nauvoo Legion was formed and a local government was established appointing Joseph Smith as its mayor. The crowning jewel, however, would be the temple that began to rise at the top of the hill to the east. It wasn’t long before Nauvoo rivaled Chicago as the largest city in Illinois—this beautiful city of Joseph—miraculous Nauvoo.
12)Brothers
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“. . . I could pray in my heart that all my brethren were like unto my beloved brother Hyrum, who possesses . . . the meekness and humility of Christ; and I love him with that love that is stronger than death . . . .” (History of the Church, vol. 2, p. 338.)
“. . . Brother Hyrum, what a faithful heart you have got! . . . [what] care you have had for my soul! O how many are the sorrows we have shared together; and again we find ourselves . . . [in the] hand of oppression.” (Ibid., vol. 5, pp. 107-08.)
“I advised my brother Hyrum to take his family . . . and go . . . . [for if we were] ever taken again, we [would] be massacred . . . . I want Hyrum to live . . . but he is determined not to leave me.” (Ibid., vol. 6, pp. 520, 546.)
(Joseph)
We have shared so many sorrows
Been together through extremes
But I ask you now, dear brother
Part with me
’Cause I sense the greatest danger
And you’ve so much left to give
I want you to live
(Hyrum)
Now you know I’ll never leave you
And I trust in God to save
But if not, then I am ready for the grave
I’ve been true to you forever
And I’m not about to change
This brother stays
CHORUS:
(Both)
Brothers in name, brothers in heart
Never to fade, whether near or far
Brothers in life, brothers in death
We’ll stand by each other
My brother
Through now and the end
You shall not have want for friendship
There will be no need for care
For as long as you are living
(Both)
I’ll be there
I’ll go with you into prison
I’ll go with you into death
(Both)
Again and again
REPEAT CHORUS
13)Tears Flowing Fast
© 2000, 1993 Merge Right Music & Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
Joseph’s farewell to Emma and their children was certainly not without emotion. Two day’s earlier, as he was leaving them intending to go away to the west, he had come out of the house unable to speak, his tears flowing fast. How must it have been now, when he sensed his death was imminent? His children clung to his clothes, while Emma wept at his side.
14)O Lord My God
© 2000, 1993 Merge Right Music & Mohrgüd Music
“A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”—Text: James Montgomery; Music: George Coles
A thick air of gloom hung over Joseph and the others at the jail. They had been continually threatened with death since their arrival. And although the chance of returning to his family didn’t seem likely, Joseph found some measure of comfort, enjoying at this time the companionship of a few of his most intimate friends, including his older brother, Hyrum. On June 27th, as John Taylor sang “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief” and the words, “if I for him would die?” echoed in that upstairs bedroom, what might have passed through Joseph’s mind? It is not hard to imagine him mentally preparing himself to do just that—die for his Savior. Jesus had, after all, set Joseph’s feet upon the path that eventually led him here. Some twenty-four years earlier, by His own voice and presence, the Son of God had conversed with Joseph in the grove. Since then, revelation after revelation came from that familiar voice, beginning with such words as, “Thus saith the Lord your God, even Jesus Christ . . . .” (D&C 38:1) Jesus was Joseph’s Lord—the God he had learned to obey. Joseph conversed with Him, received instructions from Him, worshipped Him, and knew Him intimately. It is therefore, no surprise that when gunfire began to fly around the prisoners like hail, and the work of murder commenced, the last words from the prophet’s lips were, “O Lord my God!” This was not a random cry of fear, such as the world uses, but most likely the beginning of an unspoken prayer, the substance of which we have yet to know. But Jesus knew, and was right there to take Joseph to Himself that he might, at last, be beyond the reach of his enemies.
15)Why Must The Good Die? / Free At Last
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
“. . . Why must the good perish, and the virtuous be destroyed? Why must God’s nobility, the salt of the earth, the most exalted of the human family fall victims to the cruel, fiendish hate of incarnate devils?” (John Taylor, Life of John Taylor, p. 141.)
“. . . when I . . . saw my murdered sons extended both at once before my eyes . . . I sank back, crying to the Lord in the agony of my soul, ‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken this family!’ A voice replied, ‘I have taken them to myself, that they might have rest.’ . . . As . . . I arose again . . . [and looking] upon their peaceful, smiling countenances, I seemed almost to hear them say, ‘Mother, weep not for us, we have overcome the world by love; we carried to them the gospel, that their souls might be saved; they slew us for our testimony, and thus placed us beyond their power . . . ours is an eternal triumph.’” (Lucy Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, pp. 324-25.)
“He’s free; he’s free; the Prophet’s free! . . .
Beyond the reach of mobs and strife, . . .
He died; he died for those he loved . . .
[And] rests unharmed in endless life.”
(John Taylor, History of the Church, vol. 7, p. 334.)
Why must the good die
Why are they taken
Taken away, away
Taken away
Why
(Joseph)
Free at last, safe at last
Mobs and devils are now something of the past
Free at last, home at last
We have overcome by love
Given all that God has asked
That men’s souls might be saved
And for this we are slain
Yet in time we shall rise from the grave
Christ redeems, trust and see
Go with me to where God makes you free at last
Free at last
16)Come Follow Me
© 1993 Mohrgüd Music (BMI)
music by George Coles; words by Kenneth Cope
Additional lyrical ideas: John Nicholson (1839-1909), William Clayton (1814-1879), James Montgomery (1771-1854)
“[Jesus said], if thou wilt be perfect, . . . come and follow me.” (Matthew 19:21.)
“. . . follow me, and do the things which ye have seen me do.” (2 Nephi 31:12.)
“If you wish to go where God is, you must be like God . . . . Search your hearts, and see if you are like God. I have searched mine, and feel to repent of all my sins.” (History of the Church, vol. 4, p. 588.)
“The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs.” (Ibid., vol. 5, p. 24.)
“. . . you must enlarge your souls towards each other, if you would do like Jesus, and carry your fellow-creatures to Abraham’s bosom.” (Ibid., vol. 4, p. 606.)
“Come, follow me” the Savior said
Come do His will as Joseph did
He walked the path and made it straight
Kept Jesus’ word and saw His face
“Come, follow me” – that blessed phrase
It gives us hope for sinless days
That we though mortals here below
Can overcome through Christ, our Lord
Come, come ye Saints and make all well
Come choose the way of life and peace
Forsake the world and conquer self
And help the stranger in his need
Come live to fill the poor with food
The lost with hope, the sad with love
As Jesus showed, mere words won’t do
Our faith and deeds must be as one
Soon in a moment now unknown
The Savior comes to rule and reign
He’ll set the faithful on His throne
And send the wicked to their place
And when He calls thee by thy name
To ask if thou wast of Him ashamed
Thy deeds shall then thine answer be
How well thou heard “Come, follow me”
Come, follow me
Come, follow me
From one of the best selling LDS artists of all time comes Hear My Praise the quintessential, deeply uplifting album that will inspire and move people to good works. Hear My Praise is a collection of frequently requested inspirational favorites that Kenneth Cope performs.
Click here to purchase
Track List:
- Breathe In Me
- Carpenter’s Son
- Every Season
- Gethsemane
- Hallelujahs
- Hear My Praise
- Sweet Jesus
- Welcome to Our World
- What Have I Done With His Name
- White Dress
Sacred. Passionate. Elegant. A Prayer Unto Thee, uniquely and beautifully combines 23 different worshipful hymns that directly address the Savior.
Click here to purchase
Track List:
- Beautiful Savior
- Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee
- Peace, Be Still
- Redeemer of Israel
- I Need Thee Every Hour
- Because I Have Been Given Much
- Sacrament Offering
- In Humility, Our Savior
- More, Savior, Like Thee
- Alleluia
Lyrics:
BEAUTIFUL SAVIOR
#62, Children’s Songbook
Beautiful Savior
Lord of the nations
Son of God and Son of Man
Thee will I honor
Praise, and give glory
Give praise and glory evermore
text: Anon., twelfth century; music: Silesian folk song
#68, Hymns
A mighty fortress—Jesus, Lord
A tower of strength never failing
A helper mighty—Savior, God
O’er ills of life prevailing
Thou overcometh all
Thou saveth from the Fall
Thy might and power art great
Thou all things didst create
And thou shalt reign forevermore
text: Martin Luther, adapted; music: attr. to Martin Luther
#62, Hymns
Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia
Lord, I praise thee
Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia
Hear my praising
Alleluia
Alleluia
Alleluia
text: St. Francis of Assisi, trans. by William H. Draper, adapted;
music: German melody
Beautiful Savior
JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEE
#141, Hymns
Jesus, the very thought of thee
With sweetness fills my breast
But sweeter far thy face to see
And in thy presence rest
No voice can sing, nor heart can frame
Nor can the mem’ry find
A sweeter sound than thy blest name
O Savior of mankind
O hope of every contrite heart
O joy of all the meek
To those who fall, how kind thou art
How good to those who seek
Jesus, our only joy be thou
As thou our prize wilt be
Jesus, be thou our glory now
And through eternity
Jesus, the very thought of thee
text: attr. to Bernard of Clairvaux, trans. by Edward Caswall;
music: John B. Dykes
PEACE, BE STILL
#105, Hymns
Master, the tempest is raging
The billows are tossing high
The sky is o’ershadowed with blackness
No shelter or help is nigh
Carest thou not that we perish?
How canst thou lie asleep
When each moment so madly is threat’ning
A grave in the angry deep?
The winds and the waves shall obey thy will
Peace, be still
Peace, be still
Whether the wrath of the storm tossed sea
Or demons or men or whatever it be
No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies
They all shall sweetly obey thy will
Peace, be still
Peace, be still
They all shall sweetly obey thy will
Peace, peace, be still
text: Mary Ann Baker; music: H.R. Palmer
#124, Hymns
Be still, my soul
The waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them
While He dwelt below
text: Katharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick;
music: Jean Sibelius
#86, Hymns
Then sings my soul
My Savior God, to thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior God, to thee
How great thou art
How great thou art
text: Stuart K. Hine, © renewed 1981 Manna Music, Inc.;
music: Swedish folk melody
Peace, peace, be still
REDEEMER OF ISRAEL
#70, Hymns
As with a mother’s tender hand
Thou leads thine own
Thy chosen band
To thee all praise and glory
text: Johann J. Schütz, trans. by Frances Elizabeth Cox, adapted;
music: From Bohemian Brethren’s Songbook, adapted
#6, Hymns
Redeemer of Israel
Our only delight
On whom for a blessing we call
Our shadow by day
And our pillar by night
Our King, our Deliv’rer, our all
How long we have wandered
As strangers in sin
And cried in the desert for thee
Our foes have rejoiced
When our sorrows they’ve seen
But Israel will shortly be free
Restore, my dear Savior
The light of thy face
Thy soul-cheering comfort impart
And let the sweet longing
For thy holy place
Bring hope to my desolate heart
My shadow by day
And my pillar by night
My King, my Deliv’rer, my all
Redeemer of Israel
Redeemer of Israel
Redeemer of Israel
text: William W. Phelps, adapted; music: Freeman Lewis
I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR
#97, Hymns
Lead thou me on
The night is dark
And I am far from home
Lead thou me on
Guide thou my feet
Keep me from former snares
I bow my will
Remember not past years
text: John Henry Newman, additional words by Kenneth Cope;
music: John B. Dykes
#98, Hymns
I need thee every hour
Most gracious Lord
No tender voice like thine
Can peace afford
I need thee every hour
Stay thou nearby
Temptations lose their power
When thou art nigh
I need thee, oh, I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh, bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee
I need thee every hour
In joy or pain
Come quickly and abide
Or life is vain
I need thee every hour
Most holy One
Oh, make me thine indeed
Thou blessed Son
I need thee, oh, I need thee
Every hour I need thee
Oh, bless me now, my Savior
I come to thee
I come to thee
text: Annie S. Hawkes; music: Robert Lowry
Remember not past years
BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN GIVEN MUCH
#93, Hymns
“Prayer of Thanksgiving” instrumental
music: Anon., The Netherlands
#219, Hymns
Because I have been given much
I too must give
Because of thy great bounty, Lord
Each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With every brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
Because I have been sheltered, fed
By the good care
I cannot see another’s lack
And I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread
My roof’s safe shelter overhead
That he too may be comforted
Because of thy life’s mission, Lord
I too will serve
I’ll leave the comfort of my home
To teach thy word
I’ll seek thy sheep who’ve gone astray
And those who’ve never known the way
I will make thy work my work today
I shall give love to those in need
I’ll show that love by word and deed
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed
text: Grace Noll Crowell, © renewed 1964 by Grace Noll Crowell;
additional verse by Kenneth Cope;
music: Phillip Landgrave, © 1975 Broadman Press
SACRAMENT OFFERING
#175, Hymns
To walk upon thy footstool
And be like man, almost…
And die, or all was lost
text: William W. Phelps, adapted; music: Felix Mendelssohn
#194, Hymns
There is a green hill far away
Without a city wall
Where thou dear Lord was crucified
And died to save us all
We may not know, we cannot tell
What pains were thine to bear
But we believe it was for us
Thou hung and suffered there
text: Cecil Frances Alexander, adapted; music: John H. Gower
#187, Hymns
Thou came as man, though Son of God
And bowed thyself beneath the rod
Thou died in holy innocence
A broken law to recompense
text: Edward P. Kimball, adapted; music: Alexander Schreiner, © 1948 LDS
#194, Hymns
There was no other good enough
To pay the price of sin
Thou only could unlock the gate of heav’n
And let us in
Oh, dearly, dearly has thou loved
And we must love thee too
And trust in thy redeeming blood
And try thy works to do
text: Cecil Frances Alexander, adapted; music: John H. Gower
#184, Hymns
“Upon the Cross of Calvary” instrumental
music: Leroy J. Robertson, © 1948 LDS
IN HUMILITY, OUR SAVIOR
#172, Hymns
In humility, our Savior
Grant thy Spirit here, we pray
As take the bread and water
In thy name this latter day
Let me not forget, O Savior
Thou didst bleed and die for me
When thy heart was stilled and broken
On the cross at Calvary
Fill our hearts with sweet forgiving
Teach us tolerance and love
Let our prayers find access to thee
In thy holy courts above
Then, when we have proven worthy
Of thy sacrifice divine
Lord, let us regain thy presence
Let thy glory round us shine
Let us not forget, O Savior
Thy sacrifice divine
Lord, let us regain thy presence
Let thy glory round us shine
text: Mabel Jones Gabbott, © 1948 LDS, adapted;
music: Rowland H. Prichard
MORE, SAVIOR, LIKE THEE
#101, Hymns
Jesus, my Savior true
text: Orson Pratt Huish
#100, Hymns
Nearer to thee
Even though it be a cross
That raiseth me
Still all my song shall be
Nearer, dear Lord, to thee
Nearer, my God, to thee
Nearer to thee
text: Sarah F. Adams, adapted; music: Lowell Mason
#131, Hymns
More, Savior
More, Savior, like thee
More holiness give me
More strivings within
More patience in suff’ring
More sorrow for sin
More faith in thee Savior
More sense of thy care
More joy in thy service
More purpose in prayer
More gratitude give me
More trust in thee Lord
More pride in thy glory
More hope in thy word
More tears for thy sorrows
More pain at thy grief
More meekness in trial
More praise for relief
More purity give me
More strength to o’ercome
More freedom from earth-stains
More longing for home
More fit for the kingdom
More used would I be
More blessed and holy
More, Savior
More, Savior, like thee
text & music: Philip Paul Bliss, adapted
ALLELUIA
#82, Hymns
For all the Saints who from their labors rest
Who thee by faith before the world confessed
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest
Alleluia, alleluia
text: William Walsham How, adapted; music: Ralph Vaughan Williams
#81, Hymns
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
text: Marvin K. Gardner, © 1985 LDS;
music: Vanja Y. Watkins, © 1985 LDS
#82, Hymns
Thou art our rock, our fortress, and our might
Thou, Lord, our captain in the well-fought fight
Thou, in the darkness drear, our one true light
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia
text: William Walsham How, adapted; music: Ralph Vaughan Williams
#81, Hymns
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia
text: Marvin K. Gardner, © 1985 LDS;
music: Vanja Y. Watkins, © 1985 LDS
#64, Hymns
Alleluia
Alleluia
Bright and clear our voices ring
Singing songs of exultation
To thee, our Maker, Lord, and King
text & music: Leroy J. Robertson, © 1980 LDS, adapted
#62, Hymns
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia
Lord, we praise thee
Alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia
Ever praising
Alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
text: St. Francis of Assisi, trans. by William H. Draper, adapted;
music: German melody
Produced by Kenneth Cope & Tyler Castleton
Executive Producers: Jeff Simpson & Bob Ahlander
Engineered by Barry Gibbons and Mike Roskelley at Platinum Sound Lab, Salt Lake City, Utah
Mixed by Barry Gibbons at Platinum Sound Lab
Mastered by Barry Gibbons at Platinum Mastering Lab, Salt Lake City, Utah
Design by Scott Eggers
All vocals by Kenneth Cope
Piano and keyboards by Tyler Castleton
Violins: Meredith Campbell, Kathryn Collier, Nelia Hopkins, Katherine Kunz, Joan Lunt, Natalie Reed, Jennifer Savastano, Martha Thompson, Janice Vincent, Winona Vogelmann, Peggy Wheelwright, Barbara Williams
Violas: Leslie Harlow, Mario Ortiz, Nels Paulsen, Gwen Thornton, Candace Vessel
Celli: Ellen Bridger, Jim Hardy, Warren Mueller
Bass: Walt Birkedahl, Lola Lowry, Samuel Peery
Solo Cello: Ellen Bridger
Solo Violin: Meredith Campbell
String Quartet: Meredith Campbell, Natalie Reed, Mario Ortiz, Ellen Bridger
Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Recorder: Daron Bradford
French Horns: Larry Lowe, Nathan Basinger
Trumpets: Tony DiLorenzo, David Brown
Harp: Lysa Rytting
Classical Guitar: Michael Dowdle
Percussion: Ken Hodges
Contractor: Meredith Campbell
Copy Work: Dan Lee, Nathan Hofheins