All for You [Song]


Uploaded by Choy Felix

ALL FOR YOU
By Singing Sandra

I will lift mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help.
--Psalms 121:1

For forty years I worked in the field
Forty years toiled and -------
Rejoiced when I prevailed, cried when I failed
Yet have I never altered my course, no, no, no, no
I stood for truth to safeguard them youth
From falling shells, yeah, and evil thoughts on which they dwell
I sang for love to rise above colour, creed and race
To make my land a better place
For a fleeting moment, my existence was in doubt, woy
The love of God and you that pull me out, you took me out
Now, with every ounce of me I rededicate entirely
My heart, my love, my soul and so I spout from my mouth:

All for You, here I am, tried and true is the lamb
Though beaten down, left on the ground, scarred, yet still I stand
Stand as a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend
Purged here on this altar, recommit to You again
But still in ------- minds of many, my sacrifice ent worth a penny
No, but I'll take the higher road, I not carrying that load
I champion the cause of the poor and voiceless
Rebuke the wicked and reckless
For they will reap what they have sowed, I not carrying that load. No!

For forty years my notes will reveal
Forty years amidst the dust and the din
Pounding on closed doors or accepting applause
Where some kind hearts have smiled and let me in
Been privileged to be groomed in the Best Village
To discern right from wrong, woy, planted on spiritual ground
Been taught from birth to know my worth
Burned as an effigy, better to die with dignity
I cried from the ghetto when I thought my soul would bow, Lord
Then I head a voice say, "Sandra, not now, no girl, not now.
Your faith is not ------- , you just needed an overhaul
Girl, embrace your journey, go, high and low, let them know."

All for You, here I am, tried and true is the lamb
Though beaten down, stomped on the ground, scarred, yet still I stand
As a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend
Purged here on this altar to recommit to You again
But still in the minds and -------- of many, my sacrilege ent worth a penny
No, but I'll take the higher road, I not carrying that road
I champion the cause of the weak and helpless
Rebuke the wicked and heartless
But they will reap what they have sowed, I not carrying that load. No, no, no!

For forty years, You set free my soul
Forty years and every season, a word
From simple folks up to kingpin who always gave me something
Saying, "Silence is not for you, you must be heard."
Lord, men agitate to shake my faith
Questioning the things that I do, Lord, and forcing me to question You
So much I share, now my cupboards bare
Wondering should I stop and who is there to fill me up
Then a voice in a vision shouted, "My child, you're not alone.
Guided footsteps brought you in this zone, in this zone
Many still making requests but you will have your time to rest
More than just a season, more than a play." so I say:

All for You, here I am, tried and true is the lamb
Though beaten down, stomped on the ground, scarred, yet still I stand
As a mother, a daughter, a sister and a friend
Purged here on this altar to recommit to You again
But still in ------- minds of many, my sacrifice ent worth one penny
No, but I'll take the higher road, I not carrying that load
I champion the cause of the poor and voiceless
Rebuke the wicked and reckless
For they will reap what they have sowed, I not carrying that load. No!

For forty years, this stage was my home
Forty years filled with the ups and the downs
But a wise man once told me that through life's journey
Not be consumed by paper crowns. Why?
With voices raised they'll sing you praise
But I give to Him what is due 'cause none of it belongs to you
Deflect the fame, exalt His name
We are not the root, just a branch, a twig - a mere substitute
So I take no glory 'cause this vessel is just by chance
Is He who placed my rhythm and said, "Dance, Sandra, dance!"
This I've learned from lying low when there is no lower place to go
And all that's really left to give from me is humility.

All for You, here I am, tried and true is the lamb
Though beaten down, stomped on the ground, scarred, yet still I stand
As a mother, a mentor, a sister and a friend
Purged here on this altar I recommit to You again
But still in ------- minds of many, my sacrifice ent worth one penny
No, but I'll take the higher road, I not carrying that load
I champion the cause of the poor and voiceless
Rebuke the wicked and heartless
But they will reap what they have sowed, I not carrying that load. No!

Source: The lyrics posted on this blog are often transcribed directly from performances. Although it is my intention to faithfully transcribe I do not get all the words and I have a knack for hearing the wrong thing. Please feel free to correct me or to fill in the words that I miss by dropping me a message via e-mail. I'd be forever grateful. Thanks in advance! ..............................................................................................................................
 

A Note From The Gull

Thank you, Singing Sandra.  For me this rededication is the companion song to Ancient Rhythms where Singing Sandra acknowledged and honoured the ancestors and their continuing positive presence in her life and work. With this she comes full circle to pay homage to the One who hovers over all that was and is and ever shall be and more specifically, the One who gifted her with rhythm:

"So I take no glory 'cause this vessel is just by chance
Is He who placed my rhythm and said, "Dance, Sandra, dance!"

The tone in this song is more solemn and heavy and reflects the weight of the trials which the singer has survived and the revelations which she has received. There is no denying the strength and quiet conviction that I have come to associate with Singing Sandra. Although I have assumed that the You to whom she is promising her all is the God who heals and who some Christians address as Yahweh Rapha, it is very possible that Singing Sandra is also including the public with which she has always shared her best.  

"Purged here on this altar, I recommit to You again."
Ase!

"Patria est communis omnium parens" - Our native land is the common parent of us all. Keep it beautiful, make it even more so.

Blessed is all of creation
Blessed be my beautiful people
Blessed be the day of our awakening
Blessed is my country
Blessed are her patient hills.

Mweh ka allay!
Guanaguanare

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