What music makes you cry?

[Mike Schutz]

As I was sitting in the sanctuary this afternoon, working on the powerPoint for tomorrow's worship service, I cranked up Rich Mullins on the sound system. As soon as "Awesome God" came on, I started to sing, and began weeping as I worshipped the Lord.

What songs lead you to tears?

[Dave McClung]

As I was sitting in the sanctuary this afternoon, working on the powerPoint for tomorrow's worship service, I cranked up Rich Mullins on the sound system. As soon as "Awesome God" came on, I started to sing, and began weeping as I worshipped the Lord.

What songs lead you to tears?

It really is unpredictable. When I was younger, I wondered why I never cried. As I have gotten older, it is the other way around. Sometimes tears come to my eyes when I can't really explain why.

A lot of the time my emotion is related to kids. Seeing my grandchildren or other children their age sing or recite scripture always makes me emotional.

The other day when Dana posted that link to the little girls singing the National Anthem, it brought tears to my eyes.

I will say that I still get emotional when I see college students praising the Lord.

[Mike Schutz]

I will say that I still get emotional when I see college students praising the Lord. [/SIZE][/FONT]

Me too, David. I even get emotional remembering college students praising the Lord.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

Funny you ask this question...

I was judging for the Eastern Region NYI's "Festival of Life" today, category of Keyboard Solo. And a number of times, I teared up as I watched these teens play their hearts out.

[Mike Schutz]

Funny you ask this question...

I was judging for the Eastern Region NYI's "Festival of Life" today, category of Keyboard Solo. And a number of times, I teared up as I watched these teens play their hearts out.

Jeremy,
I envy you being at Festival of Life.
If you see Luke, say hi!
He's competing in vocal band (he plays drums and sings), creative writing, and poetry.

[Bob Evans]

And can it be with a pipe organ with a one third modulations between the third and forth stanza. You can't leave the third verse out as well.

[Paul Whitaker]

Chariots of Fire - the movie - the music and the whole movie caused me to cry.

I bought the CD of the movie and while playing it there are certain portions which causes me to remember particular segments of the story.

I have tears when my grand kids perform in school. Cried when my son graduated from kindergarten.

I am brought to tears when one of my loved ones go through serious problems.

Triiumphal music from the organ in a large auditorium always brings tears and chills.

I have tears when I tell others of the many wonderful things which are sent our way.

[Dave McClung]

..
Triiumphal music from the organ in a large auditorium always brings tears and chills...



I would guess I am part of the majority -- organ music doesn't do anything positive for me. I think every organ should be replaces with a good set of drums.

[Jacki Lamphire]

I LOVE TO SEE MEN CRY
NOW IM CRYING ......
IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL always always makes me booo hooo in the Spirit

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I would guess I am part of the majority -- organ music doesn't do anything positive for me. I think every organ should be replaces with a good set of drums.

Wow!

And to think that I am SURE that you must have listened to Lambert Brandes at some point when you were in Quincy...

I don't disagree with the overall sentiment of what you're saying in terms of regular corporate worship gatherings, but to say that every organ should be replaced with drums is akin to replacing all Monet's paintings with Kincaid's or all Model T Fords with Vipers or something.

Some forms of art are worth passing on to those coming behind us.

[Edith K. Thurmond]

.....I think every organ should be replaces with a good set of drums.

Since we had our usual organ music on Easter Sunday, which was accompanied by a small orchestra, including brass and kettle drums, I am now trying to imagine how the music would have sounded with just the drums and without orchestra or organ. Seems a bit difficult to carry the melodies totally with the drums. Perhaps you have a piano in your mind's scenario along with those drums, but for churches who use an organ instead of a piano, it would not be the best. :)

Side note: Drums need excellent drummers; organs need excellent organists.

Easter Week blessings,

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

A certain type of music does not make me cry but "Because He Lives" does.
Also to see a couple walk down the aisle for ordination, when the devil wrecked havoc in their life and marriage in the past-due to the women's mistake--and now THIS--makes me swell up with joy and pride in what our Savior can do to make things right.

[Cindi Hammons]

Nessun Dorma (I hope I spelled that correctly). I am not a huge opera fan, and most women singing opera don't do much for me. However, when a talented tenor sings certain songs, the beauty of it brings tears to my eyes. Boccelli, for one, turns my knees to jelly.

A couple of years ago, three teens from our church sang a beautiful song in three part harmony for our district's Sudden Impact. I blubbered like a baby. Thankfully I had excused myself from judging them because I was so close to them. I know the music was well done and lovely, but it was that fact that it was those three girls singing the song that brought me to tears.

[Paul Whitaker]

I would guess I am part of the majority -- organ music doesn't do anything positive for me. I think every organ should be replaces with a good set of drums.

Sorry, I was under the impression that we were supposed to list the music that makes us cry.

Star Spangled Banner Played or sung well i.e. Whitney Houston at that unique Super Bowl several years ago,

other special times when tears come to my eyes:

seeing students go to the altar for prayer during special services - especially students I had been praying for,

seeing students hug one another after a successful time of prayer at the altar.

[BobHunt]

wow, I was mistaken...I thought you were as tough as nails and never cried! LOL (teasin)

[Mike Killingsworth]

A song that always brings me to tears is "Calvary's the reason why?"

[BobHunt]

Maybe I told you about this one, but we had some missionaries who had been on the field for an extended period of time, and they were coming home for furlough. It happened, that the day they were flying in, was the same day that we were all at the church's main campmeeting in NY, which was a half hr from the airport! You guessed it, we all got together as a delegation and met them as they walked into the airport.
About a half dozen guys brought their trumpets, and as they got off the plane and came in thru the doors of the airport, the trumpeteers played "The New Jerusalem" and as the chrous goes "Therell be sing, therell be shouting when the saints come marchin home" and there was not a dry eye in the place!

[Katelynn Scott]

I would guess I am part of the majority -- organ music doesn't do anything positive for me. I think every organ should be replaces with a good set of drums.

Wow!

And to think that I am SURE that you must have listened to Lambert Brandes at some point when you were in Quincy...

I don't disagree with the overall sentiment of what you're saying in terms of regular corporate worship gatherings, but to say that every organ should be replaced with drums is akin to replacing all Monet's paintings with Kincaid's or all Model T Fords with Vipers or something.

Some forms of art are worth passing on to those coming behind us.

I don't think that every song needs drums. I, as a drummer, appreciate them, but there are times when they can be too much. I also recently heard an organ/piano duet in church that deeply moved me. However, I have been disappointed to find that the last two churches we've attended (over the span of almost 4 years now) have allowed the organist to participate in worship every week, and I have played on a Sunday morning a total of 3 times in those four years. This is not a matter of not trying either - I would love to be invited to worship with the rest of the orchestra. *sigh*

Anyway - back to which songs make you teary... I was at the New England district assembly in 2005 for my mother's ordination and during one of the services, Ken Stanford led us in "How Great is Our God (sing with me...)" I was standing next to my dad, who was bawling, so then I started bawling, so then my mom started bawling. Needless to say, it's hard for me to sing that song even today. I also really love "It is Well" and pretty much cry every time. :basic01

Finally, and you can all laugh at me for giving a really "Nancy Nazarene" answer, but I really do cry every time I go to ordination services and see the ordinands walking in to "Holiness Unto the Lord." Gets me every time. We've gone to the Seminary graduation the past couple of years, and they always take a moment to pause and honor spouses of all the graduates, as people who are going to stand beside and support in ministry. That moment has made me cry every time and I'm a little bit terrified when I'll have to stand next Spring for Ryan. Hopefully I'll be able to hold it together. Basically I'm a mushy mess...

[John Kennedy]

My only response to people not liking an organ is that they've undoubtedly been exposed to some pretty miserable organists playing some equally miserable instruments (whoever invented the Hammond organ is gonna' have a LOT to answer for) I have the genuine pleasure of joining others in singing praise to God every Sunday morning led by a magnificent instrument played by an excellent musician.

In regard to the kind of music that evokes a real emotional response from me, I guess it would have to be some of the hymns that have so enriched my worship. Last Sunday morning, I had to pause several times as we sang "Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today" - the text really spoke to me.

[Hans Deventer]

Triiumphal music from the organ in a large auditorium always brings tears and chills.

Yes!!! There's nothing like it, perhaps a good rock song in full force but that's about it.

[Hans Deventer]

When it comes to the songs we sing in church, my favourite it "Kadosh". We sing it in Hebrew and Dutch. The words are:

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come.

This is how we sing it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHXzffzxEk (you'll learn some Dutch too).

The great thing about this song is also that for one time, it isn't about me and my feelings, but actually about God.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

(whoever invented the Hammond organ is gonna' have a LOT to answer for)


Aww...don't completely knock the Hammond. You must have simply not heard the great ones play it. Here's John Medeski of Medeski, Martin, & Wood (and a great example of organ and drums sounding incredible together, the organ comes in around 1:00 and is perhaps at it's best around 4:35):

http://youtube.com/watch?v=81wg6m-ko6o&feature=related


Of course, you have to like jazz to dig this.

Another keys player that sticks mainly to his Hammond is Charlie Lowell of Jars of Clay. I couldn't find a clip on YouTube to demonstrate. It's different than the above though.

[Sue Pyles]

When our choir sings "I'm Amazed".
I get goose bumps just listening to the introduction,
just knowing what is to follow.
We have a great choir and the guy who does
the solo part knows how to deliver it.
I am not a very emotional person, but I cry alot on the inside.

[Jim Franklin]

I agree that "It is Well with my Soul, How Great Thou Art and An can It Be" will put me in tears, but so will "Holiness unto the Lord, The New Jerusalem and We Shall see the King Someday" will do the same thing and at other times as the Spirit moves any gospel hymn can do so especially with organ, piano and orchestra. The Minister of Music at College Church in Nampa when I was in college, Warnie Tippett could really solo some of the verses and get most of the congregation in tears.

[Andrew Henck]

Wow!

And to think that I am SURE that you must have listened to Lambert Brandes at some point when you were in Quincy...


I will never forget the Sunday immediately after September 11th, 2001, at Wollaston Church when Dr. Brandes played the offertory. I had the pleasure of sitting on the top row in choir at the end of the bass section with a direct view of him playing the organ. His passionate playing continued that day as he was full of tears as were many in the congregation as he played the powerful words of "I'll Tell the World that I'm a Christian."

I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’m not ashamed, His name to bear;
I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’ll take Him with me anywhere.

I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,
and how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him,
that all He gave me, He’ll give to you.

I’ll tell the world, that He’s my Saviour,
No other one, could love me so;
My life, my all is His forever,
and where He leads me I will go.

For when He comes, and life is over,
For those who love Him there’s more to be;
Eyes have never seen the wonders,
That He’s preparing, for you and me

Oh, tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
Be not ashamed, His name to bear;
Oh tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
And take Him with you anywhere.

[Edith K. Thurmond]

My only response to people not liking an organ is that they've undoubtedly been exposed to some pretty miserable organists playing some equally miserable instruments (whoever invented the Hammond organ is gonna' have a LOT to answer for) I have the genuine pleasure of joining others in singing praise to God every Sunday morning led by a magnificent instrument played by an excellent musician.

In regard to the kind of music that evokes a real emotional response from me, I guess it would have to be some of the hymns that have so enriched my worship. Last Sunday morning, I had to pause several times as we sang "Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today" - the text really spoke to me.

This registered Naznetter is one fabulous organist!
http://www.naznet.com/community/member.php?u=1032


The response to last Sunday's processional hymn, Salve Feste Dies, was the same as yours.

***

Hail thee, festival day! Blest day that art hallowed forever;
Day whereon Christ arose, breaking the kingdom of death.


* Lo, the fair beauty of earth, from death of the winter arising! Every good gift of the year now with its Master returns: Refrain.

* He who was nailed to the cross is Lord and ruler of all men; All things created on earth sing to the glory of God: Refrain.

* Daily the loveliness grows, adorned with the glory of blossom; Heaven her gates unbars, flinging her increase of light: Refrain.

* Rise from the grave now, O Lord, who art author of life and creation. Treading the pathway of death, life thou bestowest on man: Refrain.

* God the All-Father, the Lord, who rulest the earth and the heavens, guard us from harm without, cleanse us from evil within: Refrain.

* Jesus, the health of the world, enlighten our minds, thou Redeemer, Son of the Father supreme, only begotten of God: Refrain.

* Spirit of life and of power, now flow in us, fount of our being, Light that dost lighten all, life that in all dost abide: Refrain.

* Praise to the Giver of good! Thou Love who art author of concord, Pour out thy balm on our souls, order our ways in thy peace: Refrain.

***

The offertory, Hallelujah from "Messiah," evoked a glorious and worshipful response also, but did not bring tears this time.

Hallelujah: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ; and he shall reign forever and ever. King of Kings and Lords of Lords. Hallelujah.


Eastertide blessings,

[Dave McClung]

I will never forget the Sunday immediately after September 11th, 2001, at Wollaston Church when Dr. Brandes played the offertory. I had the pleasure of sitting on the top row in choir at the end of the bass section with a direct view of him playing the organ. His passionate playing continued that day as he was full of tears as were many in the congregation as he played the powerful words of "I'll Tell the World that I'm a Christian."

I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’m not ashamed, His name to bear;
I’ll tell the world, that I’m a Christian,
I’ll take Him with me anywhere.

I’ll tell the world, how Jesus saved me,
and how He gave me a life brand new;
And I know that if you trust Him,
that all He gave me, He’ll give to you.

I’ll tell the world, that He’s my Saviour,
No other one, could love me so;
My life, my all is His forever,
and where He leads me I will go.

For when He comes, and life is over,
For those who love Him there’s more to be;
Eyes have never seen the wonders,
That He’s preparing, for you and me

Oh, tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
Be not ashamed, His name to bear;
Oh tell the world, that you’re a Christian,
And take Him with you anywhere.


I will have to admit that if I have to listen to an organ, Lambert Brandes should be the one to play it. He is great.

[Dave McClung]

When it comes to the songs we sing in church, my favourite it "Kadosh". We sing it in Hebrew and Dutch. The words are:

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, Who was and Who is and Who is to come.

This is how we sing it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAHXzffzxEk (you'll learn some Dutch too).

The great thing about this song is also that for one time, it isn't about me and my feelings, but actually about God.

I have this one on my desktop. I listen at least two or three times a day. I realize that the first part is different, but I believe the ending is very similar to your version -- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ra4HWj1jrJA

[Roy Richardson]

As I was sitting in the sanctuary this afternoon, working on the powerPoint for tomorrow's worship service, I cranked up Rich Mullins on the sound system. As soon as "Awesome God" came on, I started to sing, and began weeping as I worshipped the Lord.

What songs lead you to tears?

This one (http://reformedposer.blogspot.com/2007/02/oh-my-god.html), especially with the visuals.

[Brian Hammons]

There are a handful of songs that I can remember hearing for the first time, and them bringing me to tears. A few of these were while I was driving, and I had to pull over.

Oh I Want to Know You More, by Steve Fry
I Am Determined , by Tim Shepherd
He Has Forgiven Me, by Damaris Carbaugh
Word of God Speak, by Mercy Me
Before the Throne of God, by Selah

My brothers and I are not expressive at all in regards to Amen's, shouting, running aisles, etc., but something that has moved me to tears (I've never shared this w/ anyone before, so he's reading this for the first time on NazNet) is the ocassion that during a moving praise song, he'll raise his hand in praise, without the prompting or leading of the worship leader. As reserved as we brothers tend to be, I know that is heart-felt at a deep level. Because of the divergence of our life paths, it has been a long time. . . .

[Susan Unger]

Songs don't usually make me cry unless it is for sentimental reasons. But lately Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin has especially the part where he sings My chains are gone. As emotional healing has come, I can actually visualize God popping off the chains of emotional wounds. Here is a video of it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXV6HJxUebg&feature=related

[Hans Deventer]

The other day I was at my mother's and found an old LP by Feike Asma, a famous Dutch organist who passed away in 1984. My favourite is a "toccata" on Psalm 146, played on the organ of the Old Church in Amsterdam. The organ is totally mechanical, so it's very heavy to play it, but the sound is incredible.
Asma was a very emotional player.

This Psalm used to be sung non-rhythmic, with each not at equal length. I don't like that kind of singing at all and I don't think it fits the Palms, but with such an intro, organ and organist, I'll happily sing it that way.

The lyrics are as follows:

Prijs den HEER' met blijde galmen;.
Gij, mijn ziel, hebt rijke stof;
'k Zal, zo lang ik leef, mijn psalmen.
Vrolijk wijden aan Zijn lof,
'k Zal, zo lang ik 't licht geniet,
Hem verhogen in mijn lied.

My lousy translation:

Praise the Lord with joyful noise,
My soul, thou hast manifold reasons
As long as I live, I'll dedicate
my Psalms to His praise.
I will, as long as I'll enjoy the light,
exalt Him in my song.

You can find the piece here: http://www.nazarene.nl/~hd/Psalm146.mp3

I don't know if the melody is familiar to you? He continuously uses bits and pieces in the intro.

[Ken Pell]

As I was sitting in the sanctuary this afternoon, working on the powerPoint for tomorrow's worship service, I cranked up Rich Mullins on the sound system. As soon as "Awesome God" came on, I started to sing, and began weeping as I worshipped the Lord.

What songs lead you to tears?

Its interesting you mentioned Rich Mullins music -- a lot of his material moved me.

======

Last year at the M7 conference. My son traveled up from Trevecca with classmates. We were in a worship service with my son on one side & my son-in-law on the other and I hear them as we sing "I'm desperate for you!" from the song Breathe.

God sent a flood of contentment and security through me. I could not help but cry.

[Houston Thomas]

Great thread.

It's all contextual for me.

Every time I hear Radiohead's Lukcy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYBS-wdLgXI) I get emotional because it was the song I was listening to when I was leaving a Palestinian refugee camp.

My wife and I shared our first dance to Etta James' 'At Last' (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csoMt1CiP04) - that always makes me cry.

[Scott Hilton]

It wasn't a particular song, but we had the African Children's Choir in last year to our church and I found myself either smiling from ear to ear or tearing up when they sang. The purity of their hearts singing to God was wonderful.

I have also listend to "Down to the River and Pray" sung by Alison Krauss and her singing that at certain times has made me tear up as well.

[Gary Swartzlander]

Organ Music is more of a nostalgia thing with me. I have loved it, my dad played the church organ for years, and even at 80 years old, he still has one in his home that he plays, and once in a while plays the organ or piano at church.

We haven't used the organ (or had one) in our church for a number of years and I don't miss it. I much prefer the energy (weird word to use in relationship to worship, but it's what came to my mind) of piano, drums, guitars, etc as we worship.

I must come to some defense of Dave in regards to Lambert Brandes, on several of our visits to ENC we attended Wolleston and while he is without a doubt one of the best, we found the organ music to be loud and somewhat distracting.

[Cindi Hammons]

Gary,

I've never liked organs, even when I was a kid. I said I would not have an organ at my wedding (my mom nearly fainted at the thought) and then I got married in a tiny ceremony with no music at all. :)

I agree with you about organs being distracting at times. Of course, the drums and guitars that I like could be distracting to others as well, so I guess it is a thing of personal taste. However, at our last church where I played piano, we had an organist that played so loud, I often could not hear the grand piano that I was banging away on. The floors would vibrate even in the back of the church. One time, I stopped playing and nobody noticed. :) We talked to her, tried to figure out ways to control the volume in the back (sound board not powerful enough), but nothing worked. Man, I'm glad I only have drums and guitars now...which are not nearly as loud as the organ was at our former church! Ha! :)

The one time I really did enjoy listening to an organ was the pipe organ at MVNU's "new" chapel, played by Dr. Stephen Self. It was very powerful to hear.

Blessings to all organ lovers. Don't shoot me!

[Hans Deventer]

I agree with you about organs being distracting at times. Of course, the drums and guitars that I like could be distracting to others as well, so I guess it is a thing of personal taste.

I really like the combination (http://www.nazarene.nl/~hd/03-Parallels.mp3), but it is a rare one.

[Donna Adams]

I cried Sunday in church listening and watching my 6 & 7 year old grandchildren belt out a new song that I have never heard of before, but they knew every word and never missed a beat. I could not sing. Their energy in singing that song told me they believed the words they were singing. It was amazing.
I cry when I see or hear my father sing, "some through the waters some through the flood, some through the fire...." and when my mom sings "He never has failed me yet."
I cry remembering my grand father sing Satisfied...
I cry when my husband Mike sings just about anything..he is an awesome singer and worship leader.
The older I get the more I cry, but I've always been a cryer. Tears are a language GOD understands.

[Cindi Hammons]

Oh yeah, I like that. Isn't that your ringtone? If organs weren't usually played like funeral dirges, they might find more acceptance in a modern praise band.

Okay, enough from me on organs. Sorry to highjack the thread.

[Paul Whitaker]

The other day I was at my mother's and found an old LP by Feike Asma, a famous Dutch organist who passed away in 1984. My favourite is a "toccata" on Psalm 146, played on the organ of the Old Church in Amsterdam. The organ is totally mechanical, so it's very heavy to play it, but the sound is incredible.
Asma was a very emotional player.
.

Absolutely beautiful music! Thanks so much.

[Anne and Dwayne Hood]

Dave, I enjoyed listening to these are The Days of Elijah.
Hans, it made me feel good, and also feel a littl elike crying, when you went over to your mother's the other day. That is just a natural thing to say, and I was glad for you. When you can't do that anymore, it seems sad at times.
We have a gran piano at church, and no longer have an organ. But, we have a nice Suzuki digital piano at church with different sounds on it. The pianist has not learned a lot about it yet. We have one just like it at home, and our son understands instruments like that--but is seldom here to play it for us. Dwayne copies music off the computer and puts it on disks-including love songs that he sings to me.

[Hans Deventer]

Hans, it made me feel good, and also feel a littl elike crying, when you went over to your mother's the other day. That is just a natural thing to say, and I was glad for you. When you can't do that anymore, it seems sad at times.

Well, thankfully, my mother lives very close. It's a 35 min. walk, or 10 min. by bicycle and about he same by car because of the traffic lights. We see her quite frequently. My youngest sister lives something like half a mile from here, so I think ma is pretty fortunate to have two of her children living so near.

[Paul Whitaker]

"I'm a Child of the King"

I remember sitting in the congregation when I was about 12 years old. My daddy sang this song for the special music of the morning.

As he was singing he developed tears -- that made me cry - as a 12 year old.

[Jeremy D. Scott]

I really like the combination (http://www.nazarene.nl/%7Ehd/03-Parallels.mp3), but it is a rare one.

This song:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=jBEYyHGbwto

is one of the best organ/piano/guitar/drums combinations ever, IMHO. The organ is slight, but it is there and certainly adds to the overall aura.

In fact, it's been a couple of years now, and I've begun saying that this is one of the best songs of all-time. 10-20 years from now, Coldplay will be etched in pop music's history as one of the best.

[Hillary Hillhouse]

'Jesus Loves Me', it gets me every time!

[Jim Franklin]

This morning I found a disc that had been given to me while I was at SVIS, had brought it home at Christmas time and left it with my family because I had no machine to play that kind of record. It was of the "Singing Nurse" Betty Barnett of Kentucky so I got my son to get it going for me because I had never played that kind of little record before and Oh! MY what a powerful blessing through those good old gospel songs it was and the tears did flow. Such a clear and beautiful voice. She is gone now, did anyone of the NazNetters know her?

[Susan Unger]

I have never heard of the "Singing Nurse" Betty Barnett of Kentucky.

[Kevin Bowser]

Allison Krause? That's a little far afield from your usual music tastes. There is hope for you yet!