This blog is dedicated to the amateur or beginner musician with music written in a simple and easy to read Alpha Notes format and with Chords for the left hand. This is to assist those with little or hardly at all note reading skills. This is a blog that shows all the chords in Alpha Notes format too which you can find the notes for the chords in one of the blogs. Please feel free to leave a comment or any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Enjoy!
"How Long Has It Been?" was written by Mosie Lister. In Southern Gospel music circles, Mosie Lister (1921-2015) was a legend. A Baptist minister, he was best known for writing the Gospel songs “Where No One Stands Alone”, “Till the Storm Passes By”, “Then I Met the Master” and “How Long Has It Been?”
Mosie was born into a musical family in Georgia, but he disappointed his family when it appeared he was tone-deaf. They instructed him in the violin, and he gradually learned to distinguish pitches. But, he wanted to do more than just tell the difference between pitches; he wanted to write songs.
Mosie came to fame as he worked with – and sang with – southern gospel quartets… arranging, writing, singing, and producing.
Mosie was concerned about so many people who had drifted away from the Lord. Once upon a time, they had told God they loved Him… but they hadn’t given God much thought in recent years. He thought about writing a song asking the question: “How long since you really prayed?”
He later said, “All of a sudden I realized this was what I needed to say. I just started writing as fast as I could.” In 10 minutes he had it finished. Within 5 more years, more than a million copies of this song in sheet music had been sold.
George Beverly Shea, Billy Graham’s soloist, often closed his concerts by singing this song.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
How long has it been since you talked with the Lord and told Him your heart’s hidden secrets? How long since you prayed? How long since you stayed on your knees till the light shone through?
How long has it been since your mind felt at ease? How long since your heart knew no burden? Can you call Him your friend? How long has it been since you knew that He cared for you?
How long has it been since you knelt by your bed and prayed to the Lord up in Heaven? How long since you knew that He’d answer you and would keep you the long night through?
How long has it been since you woke with the dawn and felt this day is worth living? Can you call Him your friend? How long has it been since you knew that He cared for you?
"O I Never Shall Forget The Day" was written by Ralph Carmichael. Ralph Carmichael (born May 27, 1927) is an American composer and arranger of both secular pop music and contemporary Christian music, being regarded as one of the pioneers of the latter genre as well as the father of contemporary Christian music.
Carmichael was born in Quincy, Illinois, the son of a Pentecostal minister, who allowed his son to play the violin and listen to the radio. "I was captivated by the chordal explosions I heard on the radio. I felt a sadness that we didn't have that in our church. Our church orchestra sounded weak and terrible by comparison. It was embarrassing. Why? Why did we have to settle? Why couldn't we use those gorgeous rhythms, sweeping strings, the brass, the stirring chords? That started to control everything I did."
As a teenager he played violin with the San Jose Civic Symphony. At 17 he enrolled at Southern California Bible College, now Vanguard University, to become a preacher like his father, grandfather, three uncles and five cousins. He started a campus men's quartet, ensembles and mixed groups of all kinds, blending jazz and classical music techniques with gospel songs and hymns. His musical "experiments" proved instantly controversial. His bands were unwelcome at many churches, and he was not allowed to store the baritone saxophone on campus because of its worldly associations with big band music.
After college, reaction to his band was mixed from the Christian community. One church made them hide the drums behind a curtain; a pastor in Oakland stopped the band mid-song because the music sounded too worldly. After a performance at a men's fellowship in Pasadena, however, Carmichael's band was invited to audition for television. This program drew so much mail from Christians that the station asked for more shows.
In 1951, he was invited to score a film for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; in all he wrote the musical score for twenty of their films. For BGEA, he made the funky urban soundtrack for the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade. By the late 1950s, secular producers had taken notice of Carmichael's radio and film work. He was invited to assist the composer at the television sitcom I Love Lucy and was soon arranging music for that show as well as Bonanza and The Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show and for singer Rosemary Clooney. In 1958, Carmichael was hired by producer Jack H. Harris to score his science fiction film, The Blob. With the success of the film, Carmichael was brought back to score Harris' follow-up film, 4D Man. He arranged and composed music for a Bing Crosby Christmas special television program, which prompted his denomination to strongly suggest he not apply for renewal of his ordination. He also composed and conducted the theme music for the 1965 sitcom, My Mother the Car.
His big break came at the end of the 1950s, when his work came to the attention of Capitol Records, who asked him to provide the arrangements for an album of mainly sacred Christmas songs by one of the label's biggest stars, Nat King Cole. The result, The Magic of Christmas, was released for the 1960 festive season, by which time Capitol had already set Carmichael to work with Cole on more secular albums.
Carmichael duly became Cole's most regularly utilized arranger from then until the singer's death in early 1965, their first mainstream pop collaboration being The Touch of Your Lips (also 1960), an album of romantic ballads backed by lush strings, and their final team-up being Cole's last album, L-O-V-E, with jazzy big band arrangements, recorded in December 1964, only two months before Cole succumbed to the lung cancer which was already in its advanced stages.
It is in the field of Christian music that Carmichael has been most prolific. In particular, his experiments in pop-rock style in the 1960s and 1970s have brought him recognition as the "Father of Contemporary Christian Music". He founded Light Records in order to widen the audience for the music of the Jesus People.[4] He was subject to controversy from within the church, being called a heretic for his use of guitars in worship and his adaptations of Gospel songs to big band stylings.
Manna Music Inc founders Tim and Hal Spencer introduced Andraé Crouch to Carmichael, helping to launch Crouch's recording career. Carmichael also provided the backing for a number of RCA albums by Gospel singer George Beverly Shea, including The Love of God in 1958, and How Great Thou Art in 1969. In 1969, Carmichael and Kurt Kaiser collaborated on Tell It Like It Is, a folk musical about God. The record album of the musical, which included the song "Pass It On", sold 2,500 copies, completely selling out the first run; it then completely sold out its second run of 100,000 copies.
"This Love Is Mine!" is written by John W. Peterson and Alfred B. Smith. John Willard Peterson (November 1, 1921 – September 20, 2006) was a songwriter who had a major influence on evangelicalChristian music in the 1950s through the 1970s. He wrote over 1000 songs, and 35 cantatas.
In 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and shortly thereafter settled in Pennsylvania to continue his songwriting career. He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where for over ten years he was President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. While there, he compiled and edited a hymnal called "Great Hymns of the Faith", (c) 1961. He also served on the board of Gospel Films, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan.
He also had direct contact with popular Christian musicians of the day such as Bill Pearce and Dick Anthony. He resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continued to write music. Peterson died September 20, 2006, aged 84, following a bout with prostate cancer.
Some of his more popular song titles include "It Took a Miracle", "Over the Sunset Mountains", "Heaven Came Down", "So Send I You", "Springs of Living Water", "Jesus is Coming Again", "Surely Goodness and Mercy", "This is the day that the Lord hath made" and "O Glorious Love". His cantatas include Night of Miracles and Down From His Glory.
Used pseudonym B. C. Laurelton ---------- In 1930, he began playing on radio broadcasts in Jersey City, New Jersey, on "The Old Fashioned Gospel Hour." After meeting Wendell P. Loveless, Alfred enrolled at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago and became a member of the WMBI staff. During service as Minister of Music at The Church of the Open Door in Philadelphia, he taught at The Philadelphia School of the Bible in the fall of 1938. During that year, he wrote "For God So Loved the World" after visiting the ninety-four year-old hymn writer George C. Stebbins. Smith met Billy Graham when they were both students at Wheaton College. During their long collaboration, they founded Singspiration in 1941. After graduating from Wheaton, Smith, Graham, and George Beverly Shea started "Youth for Christ" in Chicago.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
1. We may sound the depths of all the might oceans; We may tell the distance to the farthest star. But the mighty love of God cannot be measured. Its dimensions are so high, so deep, so far!
CHORUS
This love is mine, I cannot comprehend it! This love revealed through Christ, my Lord divine. When on the tree He died for me. God's wondrous, glorious, mighty love, This love is mine
2. I behold His love in every golden sunset; I can see it in the beauty of a flower! And I feel it in my heart since Jesus touched me, And redeemed me by His wonder-working power
CHORUS
3. And some day "I'll thank Him face to face in glory When with all the millions at His feet I fall. And through countless ages there I'll live rejoicing Sing forever at the wonder of it all!
In 1953, he graduated from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and shortly thereafter settled in Pennsylvania to continue his songwriting career. He then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where for over ten years he was President and Editor-in-Chief of Singspiration, a sacred music publishing company. While there, he compiled and edited a hymnal called "Great Hymns of the Faith", (c) 1961. He also served on the board of Gospel Films, Inc. of Muskegon, Michigan.
He also had direct contact with popular Christian musicians of the day such as Bill Pearce and Dick Anthony. He resided in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he continued to write music. Peterson died September 20, 2006, aged 84, following a bout with prostate cancer.
Some of his more popular song titles include "It Took a Miracle", "Over the Sunset Mountains", "Heaven Came Down", "So Send I You", "Springs of Living Water", "Jesus is Coming Again", "Surely Goodness and Mercy", "This is the day that the Lord hath made" and "O Glorious Love". His cantatas include Night of Miracles and Down From His Glory.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics:
Verse 1
Here's my life! I lay it on the altar -
here's my life! No more to wait or falter -
here's my life! Lord divine
I've heard Your voice, so tender,
That calls to full surrender,
I can no longer disobey;
I've made the great decision,
My eyes have caught the vision,
I gladly yield my all today.
Verse 2
Here's my life! No more for self to hold it -
here's my life! For faithful service mold it -
here's my life! Use me, Lord,
Wherever You may need me,
I'll follow where You lead me,
Your perfect will is best for me;
To far and distant races,
At home in friendly places,
I'll bear the news of Calvary
Bridge
Here's my life, here's my life, here's my life!
"Like a Child" was written by Loretta Ellenberger. Loretta was born June 30, 1935 to the late Arvel Lee and Martha Eula Orr in Wylie, Co. Loretta married the love of her life, Dale Ellenberger on August 10, 1957 in Boulder, Co. She was a published gospel songwriter, a music teacher, choir director and an accomplished musician (clarinet, piano, and voice). Some of her songs include: Choose Life, Like A Child, Lo I am With You Always, and Our God is a Great God. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from University of Colorado in 1957. The family wishes to offer their thanks to the employees of Mission Hospice and Granbury Villa for their love and care during her final months.
Loretta "Orr" Ellenberger, loving wife, mother and friend passed away Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at the age of 78.
She leaves behind a loving family so grateful for her love and support and she will be deeply missed. Loretta is preceded in death by her parents; son, Andrew Ellenberger; brother, Bernard Orr and sister, Louise Drake. Survivors: Husband, Dale Ellenberger; son, Mark Ellenberger and wife Anita; daughter, Melody Ellenberger; and many friends.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
"I'm Gonna Sing When The Spirit Says Sing"This piece combines musical elements of traditional African-American spirituals and Protestant church music. Inspirational and great fun to sing, with optional claps and hand moves, singers will ride on the energy and excitement of the driving bass line in the highly rhythmic piano accompaniment.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
1 I'm goin'a sing when the Spirit says sing, I'm goin'a sing when the Spirit says sing, I'm goin'a sing when the Spirit says sing, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.
2 I'm goin'a pray when the Spirit says pray, I'm goin'a pray when the Spirit says pray, I'm goin'a pray when the Spirit says pray, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.
3 I'm goin'a moan when the Spirit says moan, I'm goin'a moan when the Spirit says moan, I'm goin'a moan when the Spirit says moan, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.
4 I'm goin'a shout when the Spirit says shout, I'm goin'a shout when the Spirit says shout, I'm goin'a shout when the Spirit says shout, and obey the Spirit of the Lord.
"Let The Beauty of Jesus Be Seen In Me" is a song which encourages us to follow the example that Jesus left for us is "Let The Beauty of Jesus Be Seen" (#454 inHymns for Worship Revised, and #230 inSacred Selections for the Church). The text of stanza 1 was written by Albert W. T. Orsborn (1886-1967). No other information is available, except that it is dated around 1916. Orsborn is identified as an early Salvation Army leader; some sources refer to him as the "6th General." A Salvation Army collectable website lists an e-book entitledThe Poet General–Albert W. T. Orsborn C. B. E., by Bernard Watson, and Kingsgate Publishing has a compact disc of Salvation Army hymns by Herbert Booth and Orsborn. The original text read as follows:
"Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me, All his wonderful passion and purity. O thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine, Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me." The text of stanzas 2-4 was added by George L. Johnson in 1934. The tune (Bridlington) was composed by Tom M. Jones (1891-1978). It was published in 1927. The composer is identified as "Rev." Tom Jones in some books. Older books say, "Copyright property of Rev. Tom Jones," while newer ones say, "Copyright–the estate of Tom Jones."
Among hymnbooks published by members of the Lord’s church during the twentieth century for use in churches of Christ, the song appeared in the 1937 Great Songs of the Church No. 2 edited by E. L. Jorgenson, using only the original stanza 1 with an arrangement of the tune made by Edwin E. Young in 1930; and the 1963 Christian Hymnal edited by J. Nelson Slater, in a version of two stanzas with both words and music arranged by the editor. Today it may be found in the 1971 Songs of the Church, the 1990 Songs of the Church 21st C. Ed., and the 1994 Songs of Faith and Praise all edited by Alton H. Howard, with an arrangement made in 1971 by Ben Cumnock; and the 1992 Praise for the Lord edited by John P. Wiegand. Hymns for Worship and Sacred Selections both have an arrangement made in 1934 by Cleavant Derricks and copyrighted by the Stamps-Baxter Music and Ptg. Co.
The song exhorts us to live in such a way that the influence of Christ can be seen in us.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me,
All His wonderful passion and purity;
O Thou Spirit divine, May I truly be Thine
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.
Let my wonderful Saviour be seen in me,
His amazing compassion and constancy;
His great love is my goal, By His Spirit’s control
Till me wonderful Saviour be seen in me.
Let the fruit of the Spirit be seen in me,
Grant me grace all sufficient that I may be
True and faithful each day, Ev’ry step of the way.
Pointing souls to the Saviour on Calvary.
"Have Thine Own Way, Lord" is a Christian hymn with lyrics by Adelaide A. Pollard and music by George C. Stebbins. It was first published in 1907 in the "Northfield Hymnal with Alexander's Supplement". Later that year, it also appeared in two other popular hymnals, Ira Sankey's "Hallowed Hymns New and Old" and Sankey and Clement's "Best Endeavor Hymns".
In 1902, Adelaide A. Pollard was hoping to go to Africa as a missionary but found herself unable to raise the needed funds to make the journey. Greatly discouraged, she attended a prayer service one evening and as she sat there, she overheard an elderly woman say "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives." The elderly woman inspired Pollard and she contemplated the story of the potter from Jeremiah 18:3 and, upon her return home that evening, wrote all four stanzas before retiring for the night.
Five years later George Stebbins wrote a tune titled "Adelaide" to accompany the text.
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics
Have Thine own way Lord Have Thine own way Thou art the potter I am the clay Mold me and make me after Thy will While I am waiting yielded and still
Have Thine own way Lord Have Thine own way Search me and try me Master today Whiter than snow Lord wash me just now As in Thy presence humbly I bow
Have Thine own way Lord Have Thine own way Hold over my being absolute sway Filled with Thy spirit till all can see Christ only always living in me
"Brethren, We Have Met Together", commonly known by the first line "Brethren, we have met to worship", is one of the oldest published American folk hymns. The lyrics were written by George Atkins and first published in 1819. The traditional tune, Holy Manna, is a pentatonic melody in Ionian mode originally published by William Moore in Columbian Harmony, a four-note shape-note tunebook, in 1829.[1] Like most shape-note songs from that century, it is usually written in three parts.
It is commonly sung as the opening song atshape-notesinging events.
This hymn is one of the oldest published American folk hymns, and its staying power is a testament to the hymn's life.
This masterpiece by George Atkins (unknown-1816) was written in 1819. With a little inspiration from Psalm 95:6 and Psalm 99:5, this hymn is complete with the tune provided by William Moore (ca 1790- 1850). Moore used the tune "Holy Manna" for the lyrics, and it is highly appropriate. The hymn, with its melody, was published in Moore's Columbian Harmony' (1825).
Some versions of this hymn have six, five or even four stanzas. The number of lines remains the same: eight lines of worship dedicated to the Lord. This long hymn is a favorite and often used for the opening of service - an excellent way to start the highest form of prayer to God.
An Irish immigrant, George Askins tried his luck when he decided to move to the United States of America for the remainder of his life. He became a preacher in many places like Maryland, Virginia, and Kentucky. He has eight hymns attributed to him, and this hymn is his most famous work. Several versions of his surname exist including Askins, Atkins and other variations.
Little is also known about William Moore. This composer has his own share of hymns he wrote apart from the tunes he composed. He created six hymns and four tunes. His composed melodies include "Holy Manna," 'Living for the Master only,' 'The love of the Savior is precious' and 'Daylight is breaking, the Earth is awaking.'
To download the easy alphanotes and chords sheet music, look here. Enjoy!
Lyrics;
Brethren, we have met to worship and adore the Lord our God; Will you pray with all your power, while we try to preach the Word? All is vain unless the Spirit of the Holy One comes down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Brethren, see poor sinners round you slumb’ring on the brink of woe; Death is coming, hell is moving, can you bear to let them go? See our fathers and our mothers, and our children sinking down; Brethren, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Sisters, will you join and help us? Moses’ sister aided him; Will you help the trembling mourners who are struggling hard with sin? Tell them all about the Savior, tell them that He will be found; Sisters, pray, and holy manna will be showered all around.
Is there here a trembling jailer, seeking grace, and filled with fears? Is there here a weeping Mary, pouring forth a flood of tears? Brethren, join your cries to help them; sisters, let your prayers abound; Pray, oh, pray that holy manna may be scattered all around.
Let us love our God supremely, let us love each other, too; Let us love and pray for sinners, till our God makes all things new. Then He’ll call us home to Heaven, at His table we’ll sit down; Christ will gird Himself and serve us with sweet manna all around.
