A stirrup cup was drunk at the beginning of a journey, a hunt, or the start of a campaign. This song talks of the state of things in the world today and the doubts and fears we may have for the future. But in spite of whatever may come our way we'll take the stirrup cup and follow where He leads. The title of the pipe tune we use at the end says it all. This song is a spiritual call to arms.
lyrics
THE STIRRUP CUP
Chorus:
I'll ride with Ye, my King, I'll take the stirrup cup and swallow
With sword and shield I'll take the field and live or die I'll follow
Nations rant, kingdoms rage, forces joined for war
Sabers rattle, rulers threaten, hear the mocking roar
Mountains shift, the oceans surge, trouble's comin' soon
Whate'er the cost I’ll bear the cross and I will follow You
Chorus
My arm is weak, my sword is dull, my armor's rusted thin
I struggle with the backward glance, the coward's favorite sin
Fear and doubt can shake resolve, turn day to blackest night
If You, my King, lead from the front I’ll follow to the fight
Chorus
At times I feel I'm blindly groping, frightened and alone
I think of sons and daughters and the world that they will own
Your gatherin' pipe will loudly sound but will they heed the call?
Will they answer, will they rally, will they stand or fall?
Chorus
Tho' foe is gone and battle won the war is never o'er
We travel on tho' cheered by none to reach a distant shore
None may know how much we've lost or victories that we've won
Tho' peace may reign, to hold Your standard high we struggle on
Chorus
credits
from Baile (Home),
track released September 7, 2010
Words: Tony Krogh, Music: Tony Krogh
Tony: lead vox, bouzouki, Scottish small pipes, great highland pipes, bodhran
Eric: guitar, background vox
Mark: flute, background vox
Jen: fiddle
Hilde: cello
The Crossing is a talented group of musicians firmly rooted in the traditional celtic music featuring bagpipes, whistles,
fiddle, cello and harp among their many instruments. They blend original songs with traditional Irish and Scottish jigs and reels as well as atmospheric ballads. With their songs they get you thinking while their instrumentals get your feet moving....more
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