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Ballad of J​.​C.

from Crowning of a Simple Man by DaveKelly

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about

This is a very special song to me. It was my attempt at mimicking one of the minstrels that used to wander around England during Medieval times, telling stories in song about King Arthur or Richard-the-Lionheart and the legends of old warriors.
I thought this would be a perfect framework to insert the story of Christ. Although it's a very stylized story of Christ, it seems to present the gospel message in a clear enough manner.
I went to England to record this song, and was able to find a wonderfully talented fiddle and penny whistle player (Stewart Hamilton), who added just the right touches to a song that had previously just been my acoustic guitar.

lyrics

Ballad of JC

That day began so perfectly, how could it be
Our peaceful earth could be disturbed so violently
The young pretender raised his head
“The King is Dead”, by dragon’s breath
The crown of darkness reigns instead

Though we be weary and slain in our beds
You’re gonna need more to win your wars than to have us dead

Then innocent blood did stain the swords of the tyrant hordes
Amidst the terror, the minstrel legends spread the word
That born in safety to bring us peace
Out of the east, there’d spring a brave white knight who’d vow to scorch the beast

Though we be weary and slain in our beds
You’re gonna need more to win your wars than to have us dead

In a conquered city after many years, that prince appeared
Raised high his shield of love, and cleansed men of their fears
So said the scoundrel deviously, “I may set you free—
Give me your savior’s life to pay the price, bring him to me.”

Though we be weary and slain in our beds
You’re gonna need more to win your wars than to have us dead

That knight who died for evil done
Was our King’s son
Shake loose your chains,
Your ransom’s paid, the battle’s won

credits

from Crowning of a Simple Man, released January 1, 1980

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about

DaveKelly Nashville, Tennessee

Dave Kelly and his songwriting partner Derek Jeffery were signed in the late 60's to both Warner Brothers and The Beatle's Apple Records, touring as the opening act for Pink Floyd, Genesis and ELO, among others. Later they formed a group called ARK and released the award winning 'Ark the Angels Come. Dave recorded this solo album in 1980, but also worked closely with Bob Dylan and Stevie Wonder. ... more

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